A 21-year-old rock climber died after “sustaining major injuries” while climbing Devil’s Tower National Monument, authorities said.The fall occurred on Sunday shortly before 8 p.m.when Devils Tower Law Enforcement was informed that a rock climber, Stewart Phillip Porter, a 21-year-old from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was rappelling down the second pitch of El Cracko when he fell and sustained “major injuries” in a fall, according to a statement from the National Park Service released on Monday.MORE: Man who allegedly poured scalding hot liquid on baby boy sparks international manhunt for his arrest“Porter’s partner was stranded and later rescued from the wall of the Tower, with help from Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buck Wild Climbing Guides,” officials said.Over the 100 plus year climbing history at the Tower, there have only been seven climbing deaths, according to the National Park Service.MORE: Teacher arrested for allegedly putting 5-year-old boy in headlockDevils Tower rises above its surrounding landscape.NPS / Avery LocklearMORE: Cemetery theft spree suspects arrested after bronze veteran burial markers stolen from headstones“While climbing fatalities at Devils Tower are infrequent, it is still inherently dangerous,” park officials said.The National Park Service took the opportunity to remind the public of proper safety measures to take while climbing.“Check the local weather forecast before climbing and observe changing weather conditions,” officials said.
“Watch for animals (stinging insects, birds, rodents and reptiles all live on the Tower) … [and] Consult multiple sources for information on a route, as suggested gear varies between guidebooks.”MORE: Man who evaded cops for weeks after hit and run death of 7-year-old boy arrested“The majority of climbing accidents and deaths on the Tower occur during the rappel.The National Park Service does not maintain anchors - inspect all anchors and back them up if necessary.
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