Here at Squamish Climbing Magazine, we care very much for the climbing community and those who experience injury or tragedy when doing the sport we love. With this in mind, we are always sensitive to the impact these events have on our community and can often be hesitant to report a climb accident before all the facts are presented, as to not create confusion.
Update
CTV news is now reporting that the climber who was leading the last pitch of the Squamish Buttress had his gear rip at the top of the climb causing his head to hit the wall and knock him unconscious. Luckily, the climber was wearing a helmet that reduced the blow. The climber was then lowered down to the base of the ledge for rescue.
Although unnamed in the article, the climber was from Vancouver Island was somewhat less experienced at leading. The climbers partner reported that he thinks his friend will be okay.
Original Post
On Wednesday, Sept. 6th, 2017, CBC first reported that a climber fell from the Stawamus Chief. The climber in question, later referred to as a male, was assisted by the volunteer Squamish Search and Rescue and flown to Vancouver via helicopter.
It was later reported by Global News and The Squamish Chief that the man fell from the top of Squamish Buttress while ‘scaling the area with “appropriate equipment” when he fell between 50 and 60 feet’. At this time it was reported that he was awake and talking before being flown to Vancouver.
After speaking to Landon James, a manager with the search and rescue team in Squamish, the Squamish Chief reported that the man was responsive and not in immediate danger of dying. They also reported that the climber was placed on a stretcher and the tethered to the helicopter for extraction.
No one has yet to report how the climber who fell is doing. As reported by Landon James via the Squamish Chief, “To fall that far – something went wrong”. Please take the time to stay safe and check everything twice before lowering or taking yourself off belay.