A Wisconsin man has lost his life in a devastating fall at Devils Tower National Monument. The victim succumbed to severe injuries after plummeting during a rappel on the second pitch of the iconic El Cracko Diablo climb.
Nestled among the Black Hills of Wyoming, Devils Tower National Monument is renowned for its towering sandstone monolith and a vast network of cracks, attracting countless climbers eager to conquer its challenging slopes. However, tragedy struck on Sunday, September 22, when a 21-year-old rock climber from Wisconsin fell to his death at this celebrated destination.
Identified as Stewart Philip Porter of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the young climber was engaged in the perilous descent of the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo, a route rated at a difficulty level of 5.7. Around 8:00 pm, park rangers were alerted to the incident. First responders swiftly descended upon the scene, locating Porter and his climbing partner approximately 45 minutes later.
Tragic Fall at Devils Tower: 21-Year-Old Rock Climber Declared Dead
Paramedics pronounced Porter dead on the spot, as the fall inflicted severe and ultimately fatal injuries. The exact distance from which he plummeted remains under investigation by the authorities.
Devils Tower National Monument, a site revered by the Lakota people as Bear Lodge, has been the setting for numerous climbing fatalities over its long history. The monolith's ubiquitous cracks, while enticing to climbers, also pose inherent risks, particularly during rappels, which account for the majority of climbing accidents and deaths.
Tragic Fall at Devils Tower: 21-Year-Old Rock Climber Declared Dead
Porter's climbing partner, stranded on the tower's sheer face after the tragedy, was successfully rescued by experienced guides from Devils Tower Lodge and Buck Wild Climbing Guides.
The National Parks Service, which manages Devils Tower National Monument, advises climbers to prioritize safety by wearing helmets and maintaining situational awareness for potential wildlife encounters during their ascents. It also emphasizes that emergencies can arise swiftly, requiring climbers to remain composed and attempt to contact emergency services or alert passersby on the Tower Trail.
Tragic Fall at Devils Tower: 21-Year-Old Rock Climber Declared Dead
Although climbing fatalities at Devils Tower are relatively infrequent, the National Parks Service cautions against underestimating the inherent risks associated with this activity. The monument staff and local resources may provide assistance in case of an emergency, but it is essential to recognize that rescues are not guaranteed.
The National Parks Service extends its deepest sympathies to the family of Stewart Philip Porter, acknowledging the profound loss they have suffered. The monument authorities also express gratitude to Devils Tower Lodge, Buck Wild Climbing Guides, Hulett EMS, the Crook County Sheriff's Office, and the monument staff who tirelessly assisted in the search and recovery efforts.
Tragic Fall at Devils Tower: 21-Year-Old Rock Climber Declared Dead
