Over the past week, there has been two ground falls in Squamish.
The first occurred last Sunday in the Smoke Bluffs. According to the Squamish Chief, the climber fell 20 meters and was then airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital where he received multiple surgeries. Very few details are known about the incident and why the fall occurred. According to a fundraising campaign (found here) the climber was Josh Pelland from Alberta and he has undergone multiple surgeries.
To donate, please visit the fundraising page here. Squamish Climbing Magazine will post more details as they become available.
The second ground fall occurred at the Top Shelf crag in Squamish just before the weekend. According to details via facebook, the climber was being lowered when the rope went through the belay device and the the climber fell to the ground. The climber broke both of his heels and fibia and was airlifted out of the area to hospital via Squamish Search and Rescue. We have good news that the climber made it to the Sikh Festival in downtown Squamish on Saturday via wheelchair and was in good spirits. With various rope sizes being used and longer routes, it is increasingly important to check rope length and tie a knot in the end of your rope.
To donate and support Squamish Search and Rescue, please visit their website.