Rock climbing death statistics. At least 300 people have died on the mountain.
Rock climbing death statistics. Rock Climbing Statistics Accidents, Injuries, Deaths & Demographics Ice Climbing Death Statistics check out the monthly sharp end podcast, based on accidents in north american climbing and hosted by ashley saupe. Mar 30, 2024 · The Numbers: Free Solo Death Rates Let’s start with some cold hard numbers to get an idea of how much free solo contributes to solo climbing deaths and accidents. 2 base jumping deaths have occurred, as this activity is illegal in Yosemite National Park. Both were free-soloing related accidents. Regardless of if you are a seasoned climber or a newcomer to the sport, we’re sure you’ll learn something new from our list of 25 facts about rock climbing. rock climbing. We aim at describing the characteristics of climbing accidents leading to severe (multisystem) trauma using data from the International Alpine Jun 2, 2025 · On average, approximately 5-10 fatalities occur annually in the United States related to rock climbing. May 14, 2025 · A rock climbing trip in Washington’s North Cascades turned deadly late Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of three climbers with a fourth person injured, KIRO Newsradio confirmed. Jan 22, 2025 · Our annual tribute to the members of the climbing community we lost this past year. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. Anyway, here they are. View the inaugural report . Everest and Makalu). Climbing in Colorado for a dozen years, never lost anyone close but definitely felt repercussions around this community. com! Sep 8, 2010 · The American Alpine Club annually publishes Accidents in American Mountaineering, which contains reports from various mountaineering accidents that occurred that year. Investigators believe their equipment failed as they were descending a ravine. Dec 29, 2024 · How Many People Die from Rock Climbing Each Year? The exact number of rock climbing fatalities can vary from year to year, depending on several factors, including location, type of climbing, and weather conditions. Phil was also a pioneer in developing local crags. The following analysis, and pie chart, exclude alpine and mountaineering incidents, which represent a separate climbing discipline with added dangers, and which deserve further study. They are all in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges. Oct 7, 2024 · Richard's accident occurred the first time he tried rock climbing. In this article, we’ll delve into the statistics, causes, and preventive measures related to rock climbing fatalities. Anton 283 votes, 57 comments. There are various disciplines encapsulated under the umbrella of climbing; some are less risky than others, with sports climbing or free climbing among the safest. The journal also includes statistical tables which summarize the number of mountaineering accidents, injuries, and fatalities, as well as interesting specifics such as terrain, immediate and contributing causes, ages and Sep 28, 2024 · Germany - indoor climbing and outdoor climbing reports; (links are at bottom of page) Netherlands Norway Spain - Spanish Mountain Federation Sweden and one more Switzerland - Free PDF downloads for the last 10 years or so of accident reports, in French Turkey - Mountain accidents report, in Turkish. May 30, 2025 · While rock climbing is often seen as an adventure sport filled with thrill and breathtaking views, the sobering statistics reveal that it carries a measurable risk of death, with approximately 1. Use basic safety tips and good judgment to stay alive. Objective To understand the causes of death and contributing factors in extreme sports Aug 1, 2010 · Rock and ice climbing are widely considered to be 'high-risk' sporting activities that are associated with a high incidence of severe injury and even death, compared with more mainstream sports. However, worldwide statistics are harder to pin Jul 24, 2019 · This is still one of our favorite infographics of all time, illustrating the chances of dying by sport and activity. May 14, 2025 · Here's what we know about the climbing accident where three King County residents fell to their deaths, while a fourth climber survived. The best part of climbing is when it all clicks and gravity ceases to exist. Dec 17, 2023 · Every year, a number of climbers tragically lose their lives pursuing their passion for scaling cliffs and mountains. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office says the climbers, all from Renton, were descending a steep gully about 11:30 a. 03 deaths per 10,000 climbers per year. Feb 12, 2025 · A 24-year-old rock climber fell to his death in Clear Creek Canyon on Saturday, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. There have been countless deaths around the world after free solo climbing attempts have failed What is free solo climbing? Free soloing is the most dangerous form of rock climbing. In May 2018, a 29-year-old biochemist fell to his death during thunderstorms. The man was climbing near the popular Red Slab climbing area Oct 31, 2015 · Experienced climber Steph Abegg has compiled a series of charts to show mountain climbing injury rates, locations and more. It forces you to challenge yourself, to conquer your fears. Chris Sharma Want to increase your knowledge on rock climbing? Here are 50 facts about climbing. While many are too vague to identify what circumstances led to the accident, the goal of this article is to examine rock climbing injuries and deaths which were covered in the news, while also highlighting Mar 20, 2025 · The infamous Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park is commonly described as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. What exactly is free solo climbing? In a free solo climb, often called soloing, you’re climbing cliffs without using any climbing equipment, save for your rock shoes and chalk bag. This list includes climbing and mountaineering disasters that resulted in multiple deaths (4+). Fatal accidents were most associated with rappel errors and unroped climbing, and like other studies discussed below there was consistently a strong correlation between lack of helmet use and severity of injury. The area is home to various hiking trails and rock climbing sites. Jun 21, 2023 · The Risks in Climbing The AAC data from the 2020 report also found a significant one third of reported injuries (865 out of the 2,724 climbing incidents) occurred during descent. a large 30 year retrospective analysis published in 2020 by the american alpine club also demonstrated the highest injury rates and severity. And buckle up on your way to your next adventure! Jul 3, 2025 · Discover all statistics and data on Mountain climbing worldwide now on statista. At least 100 people have died on the mountain. The eight-thousanders are the 14 mountains that rise more than 8,000 metres (26,247 ft) above sea level. the purpose of the book is to gather reports and data regarding climbing accidents within north america, identify contributing. Although these statistics continue to change over time, they offer some perspective. A study published in 2012 indicated that about 70% of climbing accidents result from human error. motocross, mountain biking and water skiing, as well as non-vehicle sports, e. Jun 10, 2018 · Learn the 5 ways that climbers die: lead falls, rockfall, solo climbing, rappelling, and bad weather. I read online that there have been 37 drowning deaths in the state so far this year, which gave me a different perspective. 48u0007 u0007 Rocku0007 30,134u0007 2. How Does the NPS Use Mortality Data? The NPS mortality dashboard helps us identify key trends such as leading causes of deaths, activities that resulted in a death, and populations that are at greater risk of dying. The Devils Tower National Monument says that there have been seven climbing deaths at the national monument since its Jan 9, 2023 · An internationally acclaimed rock climbing and mountaineering researcher, Phil spent 38 years teaching at Northern Michigan University, directly introducing more than a thousand people to climbing through his classes at NMU and indirectly influencing many more through his research. Not directly to your question, but the pair of Alpinist podcasts titled "Death in Climbing" with David Roberts is worth listening to--he talks not just about people dying in the mountains, but also how living climbers respond to it and to the question of their own mortality and relationship with risk. Sep 29, 2020 · A day earlier, on Sept. A statistical analysis of mountaineering deaths on Colorado 14ers from 2010-2016. Dec 19, 2024 · A second hiker died in the Flatiron area in Boulder County this week. What is the difference between sport climbing and traditional climbing? The main difference is that sport climbing focuses more on physical aspects, while traditional climbing requires more gear and skills. 3% of adults participated in rock climbing at least once during the prior 12 months. Denali, the highest mountain in North America. This video details five chilling cases of climbers who met a tragic end while scaling the heights, highlighting the Climbing, a sport with increasing popularity, poses diverse risks and injury patterns across its various disciplines. com Rock climbing has a very, very low fatality rate. 86 0. The following is a list of mountaineering disasters in North America by death toll. when a rappelling anchor apparently gave way, causing them to fall to their deaths. 3K votes, 260 comments. We aim at describing the characteristics of climbing accidents leading to severe (multisystem) trauma using data from the International Alpine Trauma Registry (IATR) and at reporting the results of a systematic review of the literature on the epidemiology, injury pattern, severity and Aug 25, 2024 · A 33-year-old climber tragically died after a fall on Williams Peak near Aspen. Jan 30, 2023 · The NPS keeps no statistics on how many climbers use the park, but 25,000 to 50,000 climber-days annually is a fair estimate. Dec 18, 2023 · Climbing in the United States - statistics & facts Climbing is a sport in which participants ascend natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. According to various studies and reports, the number of fatalities ranges from 15 to 30 deaths annually in the United States alone. This style of climbing is extremely dangerous, as any fall could result in serious injury or death. Jan 11, 2025 · These statistics highlight the potential risks associated with rock climbing. Dec 27, 2022 · In the case of free solo deaths, there often isn't much to analyze or improve upon accident wise, since free-soloing is a personal decision and one that climbers execute alone, without gear. Scroll down to see the odds and for more data and related content below the infographic. Includes stats by mountain, range, age of victim, cause of accident and more Dec 19, 2024 · Boulder sheriff’s officials found the man’s car parked near the Gregory Canyon trailhead Wednesday morning and called a search and rescue team. To ascend, the ice climber. Last year 204 accidents resulting in 210 injuries and 22 deaths were reported to Accidents in North American Climbing (ANAC), a Indoor and outdoor rock climbing are associated with different injury characteristics and risks. Nov 29, 2019 · World-renowned climber Brad Gobright has fallen to his death while abseiling in northern Mexico. The fatality rate in rock climbing is estimated at 1 death per 1 million climbers per year. The following keywords were used: death risk, mortality, mountain hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and high-altitude climbing. We aim at describing the characteristics of climbing accidents leading to severe (multisystem) trauma using data from the International Alpine Trauma Registry (IATR) and at reporting the results … Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. ? Rock climbing’s popularity surge is a multi-faceted tale that combines indoor innovation, competitive excitement, and Background Extreme sports are popular and include motorised and non-motorised vehicle sports, e. Apr 29, 2025 · Home Safety & Accidents Rock Climbing Death Statistics GITNUX REPORT 2025 Rock Climbing Death Statistics Most climbing fatalities occur outdoors, mainly due to falls and equipment failure. The following is a list of mountaineering disasters by death toll. It’s speculated that death rates have increased for climbers due to heightened popularity around timed climbing, gaining social media clout, and persual of sponsorship deals. The Devils Tower National Monument says that there have been seven climbing deaths at the national monument since its May 13, 2025 · Three people fell to their deaths and one person was badly hurt after a rock climbing accident in Washington State. They were part of a four-person group involved in the ascent on North May 13, 2025 · Three climbers died and a fourth was left with a "traumatic" injury from a fall while rock climbing in Washington this week, authorities said. TABLE III Estimated Accident and Mortality Rates for Snow and Ice Climbing and Rock Climbing u0007 Number of climbersu0007 Injuries per 1000 Deaths per 1000 registered climbers registered climbersu0007 u0007 Snow and iceu0007 6,241u0007 3. Jun 4, 2019 · Rock climbing has a long history, so let’s look at 38 facts you may or may not have heard before. 76u0007 u0007 It is interesting that the injury rate is higher for snow and ice climbing but that the Free solo climbing (or free soloing) is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs on technical terrain without ropes or any form of protective equipment — they are allowed to use climbing shoes and climbing chalk (or ice tools and crampons if ice climbing). Common Dangers of Climbing Outside Landing from a Boulder Dismounting from a boulder can cause harm to your knees and ankles if not done correctly. m. Sep 2, 2022 · The number of deaths that resulted from climbing accidents in the United States between 1951 and 2019 exhibits considerable region variability. . Fourteeners are Colorado's most popular peaks and with their popularity has come increased accidents. For safer styles of climbing, like sport climbing, bouldering, and gym climbing, the risk is reduced even further. A fourth climber in their group survived the ordeal. the incidence Jul 9, 2019 · The AAC, in partnership with more than a dozen supporting organizations, is proud to release the first-ever State of Climbing Report, a comprehensive quantitative look at the American climbing community and its impact. In 2021, the accident rates for mountain hiking, alpine climbing, sport climbing, ski touring and mountain biking will remain at about the same level as the previous year. 25, the fish and game department says an unidentified Massachusetts man plunged 55 feet to his death while rock-climbing a route known as the “Dead Sea Equestrian” at Jun 4, 2020 · The risk of serious injury or death is almost 50% more likely with swimming when compared to rock climbing. At least 300 people have died on the mountain. Jun 10, 2018 · An eye witness and several climbing experts familiar with the route and the techniques that are normally used on it have pieced together the most likely scenario — and it paints a grim portrait Apr 29, 2025 · While rock climbing offers exhilarating heights and breathtaking views, these statistics remind us that the sport’s steep learning curve and inherent risks—especially for novices and free soloists—mean climbers must prioritize safety and proper technique to avoid turning adventure into tragedy. This study evaluates the incidence and nature of climbing-related injuries, focusing on how different disciplines and climbers’ Dec 27, 2019 · Climbing Accidents—Prospective Data Analysis from the International Alpine Trauma Registry and Systematic Review of the Literature Dec 27, 2019 · Climbing has become an increasingly popular sport, and the number of accidents is increasing in parallel. May 14, 2025 · A rock climber who fell hundreds of feet descending a steep gully in Washington's North Cascades mountains survived the fall that killed his three companions, hiked to his car in the dark and then May 24, 2019 · We take a closer look at the daring stunt that has left many dead. In the last decade, there have been 7 climbing deaths on the prolific rock face. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on Nov 30, 2019 · Climbing has a reputation as a dangerous sport —and rightfully so. Three people fell to their deaths Sunday while rock climbing in Washington state, likely because of an equipment failure, authorities said. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. May 14, 2025 · A rock climber survived a 400-foot plunge at a Washington state national park – a fall that killed his three friends – and then drove to a payphone even with horrific injuries Saturday. Park managers also rely on this information to plan operations and target resources Sep 4, 2018 · There have been over 30 recorded climbing deaths on El Capitan between 1905 and 2023. 2 As climbing grows in popularity, so does the need to better understand climbing-related injuries and treatment. Feb 14, 2022 · In an examination of all roped rock-climbing accidents, trad climbers reported about three times the number of accidents as sport and toprope combined. The causes of death, contributing factors and potential to prevent deaths in extreme sports are poorly understood. We’ve included the full press release below. The most recent (2013) edition of Climbing Anchors, by Long and Gaines, makes some interesting statements in the preface about catastrophic failures of anchors. — about 51% of rock climbing fatalities are due to falls while lead climbing (climbing with the rope clipped into gear Jan 22, 2025 · Two rescues occurred simultaneously in Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon over the weekend. 4M subscribers in the climbing community. 72 0. According to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, the body of a man was found Wednesday afternoon via a drone operated by the May 13, 2025 · Three rock climbers fell to their deaths in Washington state, authorities said. So how many people have died on Half Dome? As of 2025, there have been 25 confirmed deaths on the cable section 1. Therefore proper safety precautions, equipment, and training specific to terrain should be observed by all climbers in order to help decrease the rising trend of rock climbing-related injuries in the USA … Sep 1, 2017 · Recent data from Utah, where indoor and outdoor climbing is readily accessible, indicate that 13. Long first says that: when belay anc Sep 14, 2022 · 32 deaths in 2021: The numbers are roughly the same as last year, with the lowest level ever recorded. Mar 7, 2025 · The 28-year-old engineering student fell to her death while climbing on the Tryfan mountain in Snowdonia, Wales. List of mountaineering disasters by death toll North Face of Everest as seen from the path to North Base Camp. [1] Feb 25, 2019 · While we may see a rise in overall deaths, to climb without ropes or gear is still a niche of a niche. 4 days ago · OKANOGAN COUNTY — Three people are dead after a Sunday climbing accident on North Early Winters Spire near Mazama. Mountain Rescue Aspen and other agencies responded, but the climber succumbed. Jan 9, 2023 · An internationally acclaimed rock climbing and mountaineering researcher, Phil spent 38 years teaching at Northern Michigan University, directly introducing more than a thousand people to climbing through his classes at NMU and indirectly influencing many more through his research. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing. The home of Climbing on reddit. 76u0007 u0007 It is interesting that the injury rate is higher for snow and ice climbing but that the Analysis of deaths on Colorado 14ers this decade (2010-2017). The first documented Climbing magazine publishes a yearly tribute to climbers who die every year, and a quick online search of climbing accidents turns up multiple news reports of incidents in just 2021 alone. And yes we are scared of falling. Dec 27, 2019 · Climbing has become an increasingly popular sport, and the number of accidents is increasing in parallel. 3M subscribers in the climbing community. In 2016, he completed the first winter solo ascents of both Torre Egger in Patagonia and of the Emperor Face of Mount Robson in Canada. Sep 2, 2022 · The number of climbing accidents reported each year in the United States increased considerably between 1951 and 2019 from only 15 in 1951 to 202 in 2019. Feb 18, 2024 · Rock climbing has now become a cultural phenomenon that draws adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts alike, reversing the course of the once thrilling niche pursuit. Sep 24, 2024 · A 21-year-old rock climber has died after “sustaining major injuries” while climbing Devil’s Tower National Monument, authorities said. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. See full list on 99boulders. One rappelling accident resulted in a fatality. May 14, 2025 · One mountain climber's survival is being called "miraculous" after a 200-foot fall onto jagged rock in Washington state Sunday that killed the three other men in his group. Richard Mills was climbing 'Sweet Dreams' in the Blue Mountains when he died in a 'freak accident'. Aug 1, 2023 · Rock climbing is a vast sport that has existed for years, but it is filled with awe-inspiring records, breathtaking feats, and some pretty wild inventions. Why is a sport that began as a daring endeavor for a few people have turned into a worldwide sensation. There’s more information that can be found on the Mountain Project forum for accidents and injuries here. Six of the fourteen summits of the Eight-Thousanders (Manaslu, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Mt. With this in mind, 2. Most persons with climbing-related injuries presenting to EDs do not require inpatient admission. The facts here may include scientific studies to provide evidence. The climber doesn’t use any ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment during their ascent. Climbing has become an increasingly popular sport, and the number of accidents is increasing in parallel. 1. Although death is rare among patients with climbing-related injuries, the costs of injuries in survivors remain high. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. May 6, 2019 · Half Dome at Yosemite National Park has seen at least 290 accidents and 12 deaths in the past 15 years. for an intense look into the most harrowing rock climbing tragedies in nature. Nov 5, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The overall fatality rate for outdoor rock climbing is approximately 0. 50 Facts about (Rock) Climbing Climbing is an exhilarating sport. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. This list includes climbing and mountaineering disasters that resulted in multiple deaths (2+) in North America. — this chart shows the number of deaths as a share of all expeditions on mountains over 8,000 meters. Sep 18, 2023 · There have been several climbing accidents that have had tragic endings this summer, and, sadly, we’ve learned of at least two more rock climbers who died this month. I have also written full, detailed articles related to some of the facts mentioned that can give you more insight. It improves the mind, keeps you healthy, and gives you friends for life. May 14, 2025 · Four men who were climbing in Washington’s North Cascades mountains fell roughly 400 feet, a drop that killed three of them. National parks and programs use these data to prioritize safety projects and prevent injuries. Rock Climbing Death Statistics 2019. g. From its start, rock climbing has been pushing limits in every way possible. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou May 12, 2025 · The North and South Early Winters Spires are rock formations in the Liberty Bell Group in the North Cascades. The National Park Service has published a press release about a recent death of a rock climber on Devils Tower in Wyoming. May 1, 2025 · Rock climbing fatalities are relatively rare compared to other outdoor activities, with an estimated risk of 1 in 1 million injuries leading to death annually. Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. A cross-sectional survey on rock climbing showed a lower frequency injury rate compared to football and horse riding [23], but with more catastrophic or fatal consequences. May 15, 2025 · A Washington rock climber survived a devastating fall that claimed the lives of his three companions, authorities reported. It’s much too high, however, if your climbing career is cut short by a broken hip, or worse. This is a list of mountaineers who have died on these mountains. A 12 year old, Italian climber called Tito Traversa died because of faulty Quickdraws TABLE III Estimated Accident and Mortality Rates for Snow and Ice Climbing and Rock Climbing u0007 Number of climbersu0007 Injuries per 1000 Deaths per 1000 registered climbers registered climbersu0007 u0007 Snow and iceu0007 6,241u0007 3. 5 deaths and a few serious injuries per year may seem a pretty low rate. A Nov 22, 2021 · Is rock climbing high risk? AbstractRock and ice climbing are widely considered to be ‘high-risk’ sporting activities that are associated with a high incidence of severe injury and even death, compared with more mainstream sports. 5 fatalities per 100,000 climbers each year in North America—highlighting the importance of safety awareness and proper techniques for all who ascend these rugged heights. Nov 4, 2024 · 8 rock climbing deaths have been recorded, stemming from both natural occurrences and climber inexperience. Free solo climbing, also known as free soloing, is a form of technical rock climbing where the climber attempts to scale a rock face without using any ropes, harnesses, or other protective gear. ba s5rqq s6ao4 rj ha6 f4rput mmv087z 5y8q pkn2 4spr
Back to Top
