By | September 24, 2024

Death – Obituary- Cause of death News : Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News : A tragic incident unfolded at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming over the weekend, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old rock climber from Wisconsin. Stewart Philip Porter of Eau Claire was rappelling the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo when he fell, sustaining major injuries that ultimately led to his passing.

Park rangers were informed of the fall around 8:00 pm on Sunday, September 22, and found Porter and his climbing partner shortly after. Despite efforts by paramedics, Porter was pronounced dead on the scene. The exact distance of his fall is still under investigation, according to Devils Tower National Monument.

Devils Tower, standing nearly 900 feet tall, is known for its parallel cracks that make it a popular climbing area in North America. The rock formation gained widespread recognition after being featured in the 1977 film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” directed by Steven Spielberg. In the movie, Devils Tower serves as a key location for human-alien contact.

While climbing fatalities at Devils Tower are rare, the National Parks Service emphasizes the inherent dangers of the activity. Climbers are advised to wear helmets, watch for animals, and be prepared for emergencies. The El Cracko Diablo climb, where Porter met his tragic fate, is rated at a difficulty level of 5.7 by the Mountain Project.

Despite the risks, climbs at Devils Tower are generally safe when precautions are taken. In the event of an emergency, climbers are urged to remain calm and seek assistance from local resources. The National Parks Service extends its gratitude to all those involved in the search and recovery efforts and offers condolences to Porter’s family.

21-year-old rock climber falls, dies at storied ‘Close Encounters’ filming location: National Park Service

In a tragic turn of events, a 21-year-old rock climber fell to his death at a storied filming location for the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” in the National Park Service. This shocking incident has left the rock climbing community in mourning and has raised questions about safety protocols in place at popular climbing spots.

### Who was the rock climber and what happened?

The rock climber, whose name has not been released to the public, was attempting a difficult climb at the Devil’s Tower National Monument in Wyoming. According to witnesses, he lost his grip and fell from a significant height, sustaining fatal injuries upon impact with the ground.

### What is the Devil’s Tower National Monument?

Devil’s Tower is a unique geological formation that has become a popular destination for rock climbers from around the world. It gained notoriety as the filming location for the iconic movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” directed by Steven Spielberg.

### Are there safety measures in place for rock climbers at Devil’s Tower?

The National Park Service, which manages Devil’s Tower, has established guidelines and regulations for rock climbers to ensure their safety while ascending the monument. These include mandatory registration, route closures during nesting season for birds of prey, and recommendations for climbing techniques and equipment.

### What is the reaction from the rock climbing community?

The tragic death of the young rock climber has sparked a conversation within the rock climbing community about the inherent risks of the sport and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Many climbers are urging others to prioritize safety above all else when attempting challenging climbs.

### How can climbers stay safe while rock climbing at Devil’s Tower?

Climbers can reduce their risk of accidents by thoroughly researching climbing routes, checking weather conditions, using appropriate safety gear, and practicing proper climbing techniques. It is also essential to stay informed about any potential hazards or closures in the area.

In conclusion, the untimely death of the 21-year-old rock climber serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in the sport. By following safety guidelines and exercising caution, climbers can minimize their risk and continue to enjoy the thrill of scaling challenging rock formations like Devil’s Tower.