A young climber hailing from Eau Claire, Wisconsin lost his life due to a fall while rappelling at the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
The climber, Stewart Philip Porter, aged 21, was descending the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo, a well-frequented climbing route, when the incident happened on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The fall was reported just before 8 p.m., and despite the swift arrival of emergency services, Porter succumbed to his severe injuries at the site.
The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed the details in a public statement, stating that Porter’s climbing partner also sustained injuries and was left stranded following the fall. The partner was later rescued by professional guides from Devils Tower Lodge and Buck Wild. “During Porter’s fall, he sustained major injuries,” the NPS confirmed. The precise height from which Porter fell is still being investigated, although authorities have highlighted the inherent risks of rappelling from such altitudes.
Devils Tower, renowned for its geological features and its role in popular culture, particularly in the 1977 film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” is a popular climbing destination. The monument stands almost 900 feet high from base to summit and is recognized for its unique vertical cracks, making it a top crack climbing location in North America. Despite attracting climbers of all skill levels, this incident underscores the substantial risks associated with the sport.
El Cracko Diablo, the route Porter was ascending, has a difficulty level of 5.7, which is deemed moderate in climbing terms. Yet, even seasoned climbers can face challenges, particularly during rappelling, a stage of the climb that demands technical precision. The NPS states, “While climbing fatalities at Devils Tower are infrequent, it is still inherently dangerous.” Many accidents transpire during the rappel, where climbers use ropes to manage their descent, and even small mistakes can have disastrous consequences.
This incident marks the seventh climbing fatality at Devils Tower since its designation as a national monument in 1906. Although fatalities are uncommon, the NPS emphasizes the necessity for climbers to be fully prepared and cognizant of the hazards. The majority of incidents occur during descent, highlighting the need for appropriate equipment, training, and safety measures. Helmets are strongly recommended, and climbers are cautioned to be vigilant for potential dangers such as loose rocks or wildlife. The NPS also provides guidelines for climbers, advising them to remain calm in emergencies and to call 911 or signal for help if necessary. “Assistance from local resources and monument staff may be available,” the NPS noted, although they warned that rescue operations in such remote locations can often be delayed.
This incident has provoked discussions within the climbing community about the risks associated with rappelling and the importance of enhanced safety education.
Besides its appeal to climbers, Devils Tower holds cultural and environmental significance. Known as “Bear Lodge” in the Lakota language, the monument is sacred to several Native American tribes who conduct ceremonies there throughout the year. To honor this cultural importance and protect local wildlife, the NPS limits climbing at specific times of the year. Climbing is prohibited during parts of the spring and summer to protect nesting falcons, and the NPS encourages visitors to respect the monument’s cultural significance when planning their visits.
The loss of Porter has deeply affected the climbing community, with many reflecting on the inherent dangers of the sport and the need for increased safety awareness.
As inquiries into the exact circumstances of Porter’s fall continue, the NPS has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of all visitors to Devils Tower. The agency has collaborated closely with local authorities, including the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Hulett EMS, in response to the accident, and has expressed its gratitude to all those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.
