Climber falls from Devils Tower

A rock climber is reported to have died after falling from Devils Tower on Sunday.

According to Devils Tower National Monument, 21-year-old Stewart Phillip Porter of Eau Claire, WI, sustained major injuries after falling from the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo.

Devils Tower Law Enforcement was informed of the accident around 8 p.m. and found Porter approximately 40 minutes later.

A Hulett EMS paramedic pronounced him dead at the scene. Crook County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the incident.

Porter’s partner was stranded on the Tower and later rescued with assistance from Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buck Wild Climbing Guides.

This is only the seventh known climbing death in the century-plus history of climbing the Tower.

However, Devils Tower National Monument has offered safety advice for those wishing to climb the monument.

Check the weather forecast and observe changing conditions – the rock can reach over 100 degrees F during summer days. Storm systems can develop quickly and lead to dangers such as lightning, slippery surfaces and hypothermia.

Watch for animals such as stinging insects, birds, rodents and reptiles and check for route closures, which occur temporarily in spring to protect nesting falcons.

Routes up the Tower are long and sustained in grade and require technical rock climbing equipment. Consult multiple sources for a particular route, as suggested gear can vary.

The National Park Service does not maintain anchors. Inspect and back them up if necessary and ensure you know the location of your rappel route before you begin.

The majority of accidents on the Tower occur during the rappel. Start over the nose of columns to prevent ropes from jamming in cracks and avoid knocking loose rock onto climbers below.

Many rappels require two ropes; know the distance of your planned rappel before beginning.

Climbing helmets are recommended due to frequent rock falls.

In the event of an emergency, remain calm and attempt to call 911 or yell down to the Tower Trail. Assistance from local resources and monument staff may be available, though rescue is not certain.