A tragic accident occurred at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming on Sunday, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old climber, Stewart Phillip Porter, from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The incident took place around 8 p.m. while Porter was rappelling down the second pitch of the El Cracko Diablo route, known for its striking vertical cracks on the 867-foot formation, famously featured in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." After the fall, Porter was located around 8:40 p.m. but unfortunately succumbed to severe injuries at the scene, as confirmed by the National Park Service. His climbing partner, whose identity remains undisclosed, was rescued by a search team still on the tower. The climbing community has been deeply affected by this incident. Leigh Lassle, a local climber with extensive experience on the tower, expressed the profound impact such tragedies have, stating, "When something like that happens, it hits pretty hard in the climbing world." Lassle, who has climbed the tower for over a decade, described El Cracko Diablo as a safe and enjoyable route, highlighting the stark reality of the risks involved in climbing.
The National Park Service (NPS) is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic fall of 21-year-old Stewart Phillip Porter at Devils Tower National Monument on Sunday. While the specific cause of his fall remains unclear, the NPS noted that most climbing accidents occur during the descent phase of a climb, which is typically a half-day endeavor. This incident marked the seventh recorded fatality at Devils Tower, the first national monument established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Climbing has been a popular activity at the site since at least 1893, with estimates suggesting that around 5,000 to 6,000 climbers tackle its challenging face each year, alongside roughly 500,000 annual visitors to the park.
Porter's death was the fourth to happen during the descent, emphasizing the inherent dangers of climbing at this location. Experienced climber Leigh Lassle, who frequently ascends the tower, remarked that while the El Cracko Diablo route becomes more challenging around its second pitch, he does not believe the difficulty level contributed to Porter's fall. He highlighted that all routes on Devils Tower pose significant challenges, even for seasoned climbers.
Lassle also underscored the critical nature of safety measures and redundancies in climbing practices, likening them to essential safety precautions in everyday life. He speculated that the rope may have been lost during the rappel, which could have led to the unfortunate accident. The climbing community continues to mourn this loss while advocating for heightened safety awareness on the tower.
The tragic death of Stewart Phillip Porter serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks involved in climbing, particularly at challenging locations like Devils Tower. As investigations continue, the climbing community is left to reflect on the importance of safety measures and proper precautions. Lassle’s insights highlight the necessity of redundancy in climbing practices to prevent accidents, especially during descent. Ultimately, Porter's fall underscores the need for ongoing education and awareness to ensure the safety of climbers, as the allure of adventure must always be balanced with a respect for the dangers it entails.