Free soloing deaths. One of the most dangerous sports in the world, free climbing accidents lead to around 30 deaths every year, a large amount considering the number of people that attempt these ascents. David Robert’s climbing partner Gabe died in 1961 while climbing unroped on the First Flatiron. A news release from the agency detailed the woman’s fatal . Gabe had tried to free a stuck rope and One would be to condemn free soloing but this should also entail us condemning some approach scrambles. Nov 22, 2021 · Has anyone died trying to free solo El Capitan? While Mr Jacobson crashed through a bush, which cushioned his fall, before striking a ledge, Gobright fell to his death. ” May 15, 2019 · The Flatirons, with their easy access above an urban area and deceptively “low-angle” terrain on the east faces, tend to be a frequent site of accidents, deaths included. We see too much of Alex Honnold and company, free soloing hard routes and being "zen"; it's good to remind ourselves that we are not these people. Feb 10, 2025 · Free Soloing Deaths - page 4 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Jul 12, 2025 · Free Soloing Deaths - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Feb 7, 2024 · I wonder if the rise in free solo accidents correlate with other stats, like number of outdoor climbers, or number of bouldering or trad accidents. Mar 30, 2024 · We have lost some climbing legends to free soloing, but if this is any consolidation, they died doing something they loved. It’s pure freedom, but with that freedom comes extreme danger. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. Paul Preuss (October 3, 1913, Mandlkogel, Austria): Died after falling from a height of over 300 meters (984 ft) while free solo climbing the northern ridge of Mandlkogel. Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. Jun 10, 2018 · The deaths of Wells and Klein marked the fourth multiple death on El Capitan since 1978, when three climbers fell more than 1,000 feet after their anchor broke. ”) According to Honnold, Synnot writes, “no free soloist has ever fallen while pushing his limits. com 485 Sort by: Jun 3, 2018 · The two men were reportedly experienced climbers. Livingston was a big part of the California climbing community and the Alpenglow Expeditions guide team. Sad and completely avoidable death. 9—when he fell. ” Synnott quotes Honnold: “It doesn’t seem to be the way that people die. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. John Bachar, a legend in the rock climbing world, is often remembered for his near-mythical status long before the likes of Alex Honnold took to the stage. “I mean, that’s pretty straightforward. 7 on the Bastille formation in Eldorado Canyon. He has made a name for himself as the world’s foremost free-solo climber, clinging to the rock face with nothing but a chalk bag and a pair of TC Pros. Apr 2, 2025 · King County resident Earl Prunty died on March 17 doing what he loved most: climbing Nooksack Falls, according to the 68-year-old’s family. It’s a sport where the climber ascends a Jun 20, 2023 · His death-defying behavior was complemented by a fun-loving temperament. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old Boulder woman died Sunday after she fell 500 feet during a free-solo climb on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, park officials said. ” Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan free solo? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. Free Soloing Deaths - page 6 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on Dec 7, 2022 · Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno, 22, had, according to eye-witness accounts, been free soloing Leonids—a three-pitch 5. com Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb above safe heights, where a fall can be fatal. Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated global Nov 22, 2022 · In the last several weeks, two free-solo climbing deaths were reported that were particularly unnerving, in large part because of what climbing media focused on before and after these fatalities. Not directly to your question, but the pair of Alpinist podcasts titled "Death in Climbing" with David Roberts is worth listening to--he talks not just about people dying in the mountains, but also how living climbers respond to it and to the question of their own mortality and relationship with risk. A group of nearby climbers witnessed the accident and rushed to help. Apr 29, 2025 · The fatality rate in free solo climbing is significantly higher, with estimates around 1 in 1,000 climbers annually, due to the lack of safety gear Climbing-related fatalities are most common in the United States and Europe, accounting for about 65% of global deaths Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman fell to her death during a free-solo climb in Rocky Mountain National Park, according to the National Park Service. The 31-year-old California native was descending a Jan 18, 2024 · Alex Honnold, the GOAT, the champ, the master of free-soloing is the most recognizable figure in American rock climbing. Tributes to Gobright, who once held the coveted speed record on the Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite, have come in from across the climbing world. Search and rescue workers recovered Prunty’s body from the base of the south side of the falls, just above Wells Creek. May 24, 2019 · How many people have died doing free solo climbs? There have been countless deaths around the world after free solo climbing attempts have failed. What Is Free Solo Climbing? Dec 7, 2022 · A 22-year-old climber died Sunday after falling 200 feet from a crag in the mountains east of San Diego. Yeah he’s a fuckin idiot. Given that it's severe injuries as well as deaths, the numbers per year will vary with reporting too. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman plummeted 500 feet to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park in Colorado Sunday, according to officials. Even if we were as strong as them, it's important to be very aware of what the consequences are. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. The actual number could be higher, or lower. Sep 18, 2023 · Both were free-soloing related accidents. 9 on the Wedge at El Cajon Mountain. Oct 14, 2019 · Has Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of El Capitan sparked more daredevils? At least one free soloist has fallen to his death since the film was released. I recently saw an account on insta where someone was posting videos of themselves soloing and their technique was simply atrocious. 12, 200 meters) in Squamish, BC this was Casey Dubois’s first red Dean combined his pursuits to conceive the idea of FreeBASE - free solo climbing up tall, overhanging walls, with a BASE jumping parachute on his back for a marginal degree of safety should he fall. Free Soloing Deaths - page 3 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Nov 29, 2019 · “The risk in free soloing is always to fall off and fall to your death,” the renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold told The New York Times in 2018. That is followed by motor vehicle crashes , falls and slips , natural causes , and suicide . El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world's most challenging climbs. 4 ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Oct 16, 2023 · In the final minutes of darkness before dawn on September 5, I learned that Aaron had fallen to his death free soloing. euronews. Free soloing ice is not usually the time to try and pull off completely unnecessary and avoidable tool swaps, especially just for some GoPro footage that no one but your mom and granny will care about unless things go horribly wrong. 12 was common for Austin Howell. Gonna hit on some of the free-soloing greats like Honnold and Potter. He participated in rope jumping, falling several hundred feet from a cliff then being caught by a safety rope, for which his record was over 1,000 feet (300 m). When he went out soloing, for example, he kept mini Snickers in his puppy-dog-shaped chalk bag. Beyond his many climbing achievements, he was known for his social media following and public struggles with mental health problems. 8: the climber has been identified as Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno]. Wish this dude had bailed whenever he lost his calm. The second would be to accept that the edge of risk is a blurred line and look at mitigating risk where possible but also not using black and white safety statements. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man Free solo climbing (climbing without ropes or any other safety equipment) has struck awe in onlookers around the world, with climbers like Alex Honnold daring to scale insane heights. She was an experienced climber on a beginner’s climbing course, but because she was free *solo climbing, there was always the potential for death. He was 27 years old. One of his mentors is too. Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. Free Soloing Deaths - page 8 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Free solo climbing has been a huge subject of discussion, especially since big names like Alex Honnold conquered unimaginable heights without any ropes or safety equipment. Nov 28, 2019 · Acclaimed free solo climber Brad Gobright died Wednesday while rapelling in El Potrero Chico, Mexico, a popular rock climbing destination in northern Mexico. What exactly is free solo climbing? In a free solo climb, often called soloing, you’re climbing cliffs without using any climbing equipment, save for your rock shoes and chalk bag. The unidentified woman was climbing with a 27-year-old man when she lost her grip as she If soloing truly is becoming more commonplace in the sport, at what point does it affect potential access to crags for the general climbing community after accidents related to soloing uptick? Jul 12, 2023 · A 26-year-old died after falling during a free-solo climb from Blitzen Ridge in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, the park service said. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman from Boulder, Colorado, died after falling approximately 500 feet while free-solo climbing a ridge in the state’s Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday, the park said. Free Solo is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin [4] that profiles rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the first-ever free solo climb of a route on El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park in California, in June 2017. Witnesses reported seeing a large block fall during the accident. Free Soloing- Climbing without ropes- this is kind of a no-brainer (you won’t have a brain if you fall while free-soloing). But Honnold like to risk his life I'm basically doing my report on free-soloing. Free soloing or free solo climbing is a type of rock or ice climbing where climbers, or more commonly known as free soloists, climb alone without using safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and the like. Free solo climbing gives a thrill like nothing else. …READ MORE : http://www. On Saturday, May 18, 48-year-old Bob Dergay of Boulder, Colorado, fell an estimated 100 feet while free-soloing the popular Bastille Crack, a five-pitch 5. Nov 16, 2023 · The Breakdown Many free soloist have died trying, so why do it? Free soloing, the act of climbing without the use of ropes or safety gear, is one of the most daring and controversial forms of rock climbing. “Climbing, to me, has Austin Howell (14 September 1987 - 30 June 2019) [1] was an American climber and noted free soloist. Nov 28, 2019 · Acclaimed 'Free Solo' Climber Brad Gobright Dies in Fall While Descending Cliff in Mexico Brad Gobright, 31, fell while attempting to descend the side of a cliff face in El Portero Chico, Mexico Jul 12, 2023 · The 26-year-old Colorado woman who plunged to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park was identified by grieving friends as an avid climber and “mountain person. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman died after falling about 500 feet while free solo climbing at the Rocky Mountain National Park Sunday, park officials said. Over the last six years the 31-year-old Lombard, Illinois, resident spent more time climbing without a rope than with one. What is Free Soloing? While solo climbing can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with a high level of risk, as any mistake or slip can result in serious injury or even death. Edit: just to clarify, the article describes this as a beginners course, but there seems to be a consensus that it is much more difficult than that. Climbing magazine caught up with Ourada in a phone call to find out more details about the accident and to learn how his recovery is going. Climber: Dylan TubaroFilmed by: Andrew Serack May 22, 2024 · Martin Feistl of Austria fell to his death on Saturday while free soloing the south face of the Scharnitzspitze, in the Austrian Tyrol. Here are 5 more Most guys doing solo do it on low graded like 5-6 if you can climb 8 which is closish to a ladder to them so no death unless they fuck up real bad. com/2018/06/03/legendary-el-capitan-cla You might think free soloing and soloing are the same, but one crucial difference could mean life or death for climbers. The Oscar-winning rock Jul 5, 2019 · This is the second free soloing death that has occurred this year as the result of unstable rock. com/pacifiMusic and Soun The riskiest sport in the world Free climbing is defined as “rock climbing without the assistance of devices such as pegs placed in the rock, large ropes or belays”. [2] He died in a fall from Shortoff Mountain in Burke County, North Carolina, in 2019. In 2016, he completed the first winter solo ascents of both Torre Egger in Patagonia and of the Emperor Face of Mount Robson in Canada. Oct 22, 2018 · For most of the documentary, the filmmakers do an admirable job of scrutinizing Honnold's plan, which is why it's so jarring when they stop. (Synnott calls this Honnold’s “homegrown statistic. Daniel Eugene Osman (February 11, 1963 – November 23, 1998) [2] was an American extreme sport practitioner, known for the dangerous sport of free-soloing, rock climbing without ropes or other safety gear. , woman was killed Sunday in a 500-foot fall in Rocky Mountain National Park. What free solo Jul 2, 2019 · Free soloing 5. At the start of September, highly experienced climber Aaron Livingston, aged 32, died climbing on Donner Summit’s Black Wall (above photo). In the world of solo climbing, there have been many talented and fearless climbers who have pushed the boundaries of what is possible. It’s supposedly a great way to reach nirvana though (or heaven/hell if you fall). Dec 27, 2022 · In the case of free solo deaths, there often isn't much to analyze or improve upon accident wise, since free-soloing is a personal decision and one that climbers execute alone, without gear. He takes a sport with an already significant amount of risk and turns it into a life-or-death scenario. Sep 14, 2021 · The documentary 'The Alpinist' explores the death of mountain climber Marc-André LeClerc, whose girlfriend Brette Harrington has returned to the sport. Extreme & devastating climbing accidents while free soloing! These are the most dangerous cliffs & challenging rock climbs that ended in horrible, massive in Dec 7, 2022 · A rock climber was free-soloing on El Cajon Mountain in San Diego on Sunday when he fell to his death. Climbers aim to conquer some of the most A spotter may catch your head, but that’s about it. On December 4, Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno (22) fell to his death while free soloing Leonids, a three-pitch 5. Super unfortunate to see an increase in free solo deaths. Many climbing accidents actually happen on the rappel. 3. While the risks are evident, the reasons why climbers choose to free solo are multifaceted and deeply personal. The woman’s climbing partner, who was uninjured and called for help on his cellphone, was hoisted off the ridge by a Colorado Air National Guard helicopter Sunday night. This time, she ascended with the assistance of her boyfriend Adrian Ballinger, a renowned Mount Everest guide, and Alex Honnold, famous for his unprecedented free solo climb of El Capitan. That was put in sharp focus this week by the news that world The most famous free soloist is arguably Alex Honnold and he's happily retired from free soloing with a family now. I showed it to my boyfriend and commented, I don’t think this climber will live long. Free Soloing Deaths - page 5 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Free-solo climber dies following 500-foot-fall at Rocky Mountain National Park denvergazette. Free Soloing Deaths - page 2 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. One could argue that free soloing is even the purest form of free climbing as there can be absolutely no way to aid yourself to the top. Feb 25, 2019 · While we may see a rise in overall deaths, to climb without ropes or gear is still a niche of a niche. Because free soloists use their hands and feet to make it to the top. Free soloing Free soloing rock climber in Western Tasmania falls out of the crack in a deadly situation. [1][3] May 24, 2019 · 3 There have been countless deaths around the world after free solo climbing attempts have failed Credit: Barcroft Media What is free solo climbing? Free soloing is the most dangerous form of rock climbing. The dangers of soloing make 2. Though many climbers have free soloed routes with technical grades that they are very comfortable on, only a tiny group free solo regularly, and at technical grades closer to the limit of their Apr 22, 2025 · On March 17, 68-year-old Earl Prunty, fell to his death while free soloing beside Washington’s Nooksack Falls, an 88-foot waterfall that plunges over a volcanic cliffside in two segments. Apr 29, 2019 · One thing I had to share from Synnott’s book was how Honnold views the risk of death from free soloing. The identity of the 22-year-old has not been released [update Dec. ” Jul 11, 2023 · On Sunday, July 9, a Boulder, Colorado, woman died after falling 500 feet while free soloing Blitzen Ridge, a classic 5. While climbing the fourth pitch of Warriors of the Wasteland (5. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern Apr 29, 2021 · On April 11, 2021, 31-year-old climber Josh Ourada fell approximately 150 to 200 feet while free soloing Nutcracker, on the Manure Pile Buttress, Yosemite. People are free to do stupid things if they want, but anyone who's doing it should be very conscious of the effect their potential deaths could have on others. Feb 19, 2023 · Zach Milligan, a prolific free solo climber who was one of the first to descend the national park’s Half Dome on skis, died after a fall in Canada. On the other hand, I think free soloing is pretty stupid. Oct 17, 2018 · An inside look at how the crew behind the heart-stopping documentary shot the incredible footage of Alex Honnold's death-defying climb. Jul 14, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman who was killed Sunday while free-solo climbing a ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park has been by identified by the Larimer County coroner as Bailee Enjoy 100+ live TV channels and on-demand TV with entertainment, sports, news, and more Aug 19, 2024 · Free soloing is a term that elicits both awe and dread. Check out my clothing brand 👉🏼 https://rungne. The climber doesn't use any ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment during their ascent. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. It refers to the art of climbing without the use of any ropes, harnesses, or other safety equipment. Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. Nov 29, 2019 · If you’ve seen this year’s Oscar-winning doc Free Solo, you’ll appreciate the life-and-death gamble that climbing can be. I think this is necessary viewing for all climbers. Next week, that climber died from a free solo fall. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. I was wondering if anybody knew of a pretty comprehensive list of free-soloists that have passed away in an accident? I've seen the free solo climbing wikipedia article that has a list of accidents. To see it visually, and not just think about the consequences, is a good way of reminding wanting-to Jul 12, 2023 · A 26-year-old Boulder, Colo. The formations attract thousands of extreme hikers and novice climbers every year. com 👈🏼Check out ⌲ @alexhonnold Check out the gym ⌲ https://touchstoneclimbing. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Nov 29, 2019 · Rock climbers across the world have paid tribute to Brad Gobright after the renowned American free solo climber fell to his death on Wednesday. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern See full list on climbgearhub. Yosemite's trademark peak proves too much for American pair who fall to their deaths. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold brought Free Soloing to the public's eye - Read about the legendary climbers who risked everything for the ultimate ascent Drowning is the leading cause of death at national parks and national recreation areas. Any others? Jul 2, 2019 · ‘He realized the risks’: Lombard man who found peace in ‘free soloing’ dies after falling more than 80 feet from North Carolina mountain Oct 13, 2015 · Though Honnold’s free soloing—and the terrifying, thrilling videos of him clinging to an invisible hold in the middle of a sheer wall—is the source of his fame and, by extension, the reason Aug 11, 2022 · Free soloing is a type of free climbing This may get confusing but technically, free soloing is a type of free climbing. [5][6] Jul 24, 2022 · This whipper is horrifying. yfdf qbyc kahqq filwdoi kwrpx cfry yrno bnfxuegre ptpzo rlznr