Authorities have urged climbers to take precautions and check the weather forecast before tackling Wyoming's Devils Tower after a 21-year-old man fell to his death there.
Stewart Phillip Porter from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was rappelling down from the top shortly before 8pm on September 22 when he fell, leaving his climbing partner stranded. His partner called for help and Devil’s Tower authorities arrived but sadly Stewart died at the scene after suffering what the National Park Service described as "major injuries".
Porter’s partner was rescued from the wall of the Tower, with help from Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buck Wild Climbing Guides.
In the wake of the accident, the NPS urged climbers to take care.
“Check the local weather forecast before climbing and observe changing weather conditions,” they advised. “Watch for animals…[and] consult multiple sources for information on a route, as suggested gear varies between guidebooks.”
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Devils Tower, also known as Bear Rock and Mato Tipila, is home to several indigenous animals, including prairie rattlesnakes, white-tailed deer and a large variety of birds.
The famous monument has generally been a safe destination for climbers in the 131 years since it was first summited, with only seven fatalities in the past century. However most accidents occur when climbers are rappelling down.
“The National Park Service does not maintain anchors. Inspect all anchors and back them up if necessary,” explained officials. “Ensure you know the location of your rappel route before you begin. Start rappels over the nose of columns to prevent ropes from jamming in cracks. Avoid knocking loose rocks onto climbers below. Many rappels require two ropes; know the distance of your planned rappel before beginning.”
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