Lone Eagle Peak Accidents



September 5, 2000

"[Female climber] took a not-too-serious fall Tuesday morning, while attempting a new route on Lone Eagle Peak. While she is a bit battered, it could have been much worse, and she should be able to start school on time. ... The damage consists of one broken rib, a broken humerus (top of the left arm where it enters the shoulder socket) and a couple of fractures of the pelvis. The shoulder required surgery (Wednesday night) but no incision except to place a tiny pin. The pelvis is stable and does not require any treatment. ... She fell about 40 feet onto a grassy ledge when a handhold and her protection pulled out. [Her Partner] says there was a substantial pull on the rope when the protection pulled, so that must have slowed her fall somewhat. [Her Partner] has had a fair amount of medical training and is a very experienced climber. He was able to stabilize her and lower her about 600 feet to the talus. Then he half-carried her over a mile or so of rough terrain to a campground, where some kindly fishermen took care of her while he ran eight miles for help... By Wednesday morning they finally got her into a helicopter and whisked her off to the hospital. ..."
Source: email

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