Free solo climbing death rate. 7 on the Bastille formation in Eldorado Canyon. Oct 5, 2025 · Free Soloing Deaths - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. The death occurred during a solo climb and marks the third fatality in the park this 80K votes, 6. Climbing at all is an intentional risk. Apr 22, 2025 · On March 17, 68-year-old Earl Prunty, fell to his death while free soloing beside Washington’s Nooksack Falls, an 88-foot waterfall that plunges over a volcanic cliffside in two segments. Gonna hit on some of the free-soloing greats like Honnold and Potter. But outdoor climbing actually takes in a range of different sports, including bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, ice climbing, alpine mountaineering, and free soloing. Only a few are capable of it. Free solo climbers rely solely on their own strength, skill, and endurance to reach the summit. Rescuing a free solo climber isn’t any more risky than rescuing a roped-in climber. These are almost always fatal and usually take place on well-trafficked moderate routes. Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. Extreme & devastating climbing accidents while free soloing! These are the most dangerous cliffs & challenging rock climbs that ended in horrible, massive in Oct 3, 2025 · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. A disturbing pattern emerged last year when several fatalities occurred on adjacent formations in the same area. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern Sorry to be pessimistic. Do people who free climb skyscrapers have a high mortality rate? And if you are an urban free climber why do you do it! Free solo climbing, or free soloing, is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs solo (or alone) without ropes or other protective equipment, using only their climbing shoes and their climbing chalk. Jun 3, 2018 · Almost exactly a year ago, climber Alex Honnold gained the world's attention when he reached El Capitan's peak in just under four hours doing a "free-solo," without safety gear. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old Boulder woman died Sunday after she fell 500 feet during a free-solo climb on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, park officials said. I am a big Alex Honnold fan, but no matter how much your skill, free solo climbing will kill you one day. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Oct 3, 2025 · A 23-year-old Alaskan climber, Balin Miller, died after falling from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. com Understanding the fatality rates in rock climbing is paramount for climbers and enthusiasts alike. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman plummeted 500 feet to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park in Colorado Sunday, according to officials. And although the climbing on the Blitzen Ridge is easy, there is always serious exposure. Nov 22, 2021 · Who climbed El Capitan free solo? Alex Honnold is one of the best and most inspiring free climbers of the current climbing generation. And yes we are scared of falling. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. 2009 — while free soloing moderate rock (Honnold and Synnott believe Bachar had health challenges that affected his fateful climb) Derek Hersey, d. 2K votes, 541 comments. Jun 20, 2023 · The Twinkie solo encapsulated many idiosyncrasies of Howell’s free soloing: climbing hard, steep routes that had awkward descents; a tendency to climb with his shoes untied, or without chalk Nov 22, 2022 · In the last several weeks, two free-solo climbing deaths were reported that were particularly unnerving, in large part because of what climbing media focused on before and after these fatalities. Oct 16, 2023 · Just lead climbing. de reported, quoting a police Jul 5, 2019 · This is the second free soloing death that has occurred this year as the result of unstable rock. Aug 11, 2022 · Ever since the award-winning documentary Free Solo brought the sport of climbing into the mainstream, there has been a big confusion between free climbing and free soloing. Alone. I understand the art you all are doing, and I enjoy watching urban climbing videos so much. 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. Mountaineering rangers patrolling the upper mountain quickly located the climber’s empty tent at the top of the 16,200-foot ridge. How many Sep 21, 2023 · Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated global total of 25,000,000 climbers, we could see around 150 climbing-related deaths per year. She was an experienced climber on a beginner’s climbing course, but because she was free *solo climbing, there was always the potential for death. Jan 24, 2024 · 8What sport has the highest death rate? 9What causes rock climbing deaths? 10Which free climber died? 11What is the hardest free solo climb in the world? 12Is Rob’s body still on Everest? 13What mountain has killed the most climbers? 14Who is the youngest person to climb Everest? Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman from Boulder, Colorado, died after falling approximately 500 feet while free-solo climbing a ridge in the state’s Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday, the park said. One of the most dangerous sports in the world, free climbing accidents lead to around 30 deaths every year, a large amount considering the number of people that attempt these ascents. The difference between free soloing and free climbing is very simple: while most free climbers are attached to a rope to protect them in case of a Feb 27, 2020 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I was wondering if anybody knew of a pretty comprehensive list of free-soloists that have passed away in an accident? I've seen the free solo climbing wikipedia article that has a list of accidents. Mar 30, 2024 · Learn about the history and statistics of free solo climbing deaths, and the stories of some of the climbers who have lost their lives in this sport. Alex's hardest free solo is at the grade of 13a iirc. With his calm demeanor and laser-focused concentration, Honnold has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in free solo climbing. org. National Climbing Safety Foundation, the total number of climbing-related deaths in Canada and the United States averages between 20 and 50 each year with an average of 10 deaths per 100,000 climbers. Brad Gobright was a remarkable rock climber who fell 1,000 feet to his death in northern Mexico as he and fellow climber Aidan Jacobson had spent two days climbing the face of Sendero Luminoso. 25 years old Jonas Hainz who has free soloed long multi-pitch routes up to 5. Nov 2, 2023 · His name is synonymous with daring free solo ascents and has become one of the most famous rock climbers in history. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb above safe heights, where a fall can be fatal. Soloing can also mean going alone with a rope, but free soloing means no rope. But it is not madness. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man Oct 27, 2024 · Film Director Jimmy Chin's thrilling documentary 'Free Solo' chronicles Alex Honnold's dream of climbing iconic El Capitan without protection. Apr 29, 2025 · The fatality rate in free solo climbing is significantly higher, with estimates around 1 in 1,000 climbers annually, due to the lack of safety gear Climbing-related fatalities are most common in the United States and Europe, accounting for about 65% of global deaths People are free to do stupid things if they want, but anyone who's doing it should be very conscious of the effect their potential deaths could have on others. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. Everest would be several orders of magnitude more risky than a typical free solo, yet I doubt the OP would view it as an illegitimate activity. Apr 29, 2021 · On April 11, 2021, 31-year-old climber Josh Ourada fell approximately 150 to 200 feet while free soloing Nutcracker, on the Manure Pile Buttress, Yosemite. [2] “The downside, of course, is that if you miscalculate, you are going to die. com Aug 12, 2025 · Every year, we also see a handful of free solo accidents. The grade isn't the reason he gets his notoriety. Free soloing, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, is climbing without a rope, safety gear or a climbing partner. Feb 25, 2019 · It also begs the question: will the fact that the most famous movie ever about rock climbing without a rope or gear lead to more free solo deaths? I don’t think so. On Saturday, May 18, 48-year-old Bob Dergay of Boulder, Colorado, fell an estimated 100 feet while free-soloing the popular Bastille Crack, a five-pitch 5. Statistic 31 of 45 Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan free solo? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. His story “Free-Soloing for Profit” was published in a recent issue of Gripped. The riskiest sport in the world Free climbing is defined as “rock climbing without the assistance of devices such as pegs placed in the rock, large ropes or belays”. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. 8M subscribers in the nextfuckinglevel community. Due to inherent self-reporting bias, and limited reporting In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best free solo climbers who have died, as well as explore some emerging trends in the world of solo climbing. In many ways, it’s the purest form of climbing. Pissed that Alex Honnold now defines climbing for so many. ” The term free climbing will instantly bring chills to your spine if you haven’t heard it before. Free soloing is a form of free climbing but they are not to be mixed up. For example, a free solo death could close a crag if it brought too much negative press attention, and it could certainly traumatize anybody who was unlucky enough to see it happen. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern The climber only has climbing shoes, chalk for their hands, and the willingness to climb with no safeguard. How many people died from rock climbing a year? According to the U. What is the hardest free solo ever done? May 30, 2025 · The fatality rate for free solo climbing is significantly higher than roped climbing, estimated at 0. ” Oct 14, 2019 · Has Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of El Capitan sparked more daredevils? At least one free soloist has fallen to his death since the film was released. From the abstract, emphasis added: Overall, climbing sports had a lower injury incidence and severity score than many popular sports, including basketball, sailing or soccer; indoor climbing ranked the lowest in terms of injuries of all sports assessed. 1K comments. Alex Honnold is not the first free soloist, and won't be the last. The most recent was in June, when a climber fell to his death from a cliff on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Learn about the risks, consequences, and famous cases of fatal free solo accidents, including the importance of safety protocols, risk assessment, and climbing regulations, to understand why experienced climbers like Alex Honnold approach this extreme sport with caution and respect. The dangers associated with free solo climbing are real and significant, as it has been known to cause serious injury and even death. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern Oct 16, 2021 · And it’s true, some forms of climbing are objectively dangerous, no matter how much you try to control the risks. The awarded documentary movie, “Free Solo”, is about Alex Honnold, a professional climber in his 30s that climbed “El Capitan” a 3,000-feet rock in Yosemite and is considered the ultimate challenge for a free solo climbing. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold brought Free Soloing to the public's eye - Read about the legendary climbers who risked everything for the ultimate ascent May 1, 2025 · The mortality rate for climbers attempting free solo climbing is significantly higher, with estimates showing a fatality risk of up to 50% per climb. An experienced free soloist, Feistl was climbing ropeless on the Spitzenstätter-Baldauf route, a 270m line described in detail here. 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. As a pioneer of “free solo” climbing—a controversial discipline in which cliff faces are scaled without safety ropes and failure results in death—Honnold, 35, knows how to perform under Jun 4, 2022 · The term free soloing is usually applied to steep and technical rock climbing done with only hands and feet, with the sole equipment being climbing shoes and chalk bag, but the word solo also applies to ice climbs and routes done ropeless in the Alps and Greater Ranges. He was 27 years old. S. See full list on climbgearhub. In terms of climbing grades, Alex Honnold has done some hard free solo's but there are a few climbers who have solo'd harder routes - grade wise. Jun 2, 2025 · While rock climbing's fatality rate remains remarkably low at about 1 death per million climbers annually thanks to advances in gear and safety protocols, the significant risks lurking—particularly from head injuries, high-altitude exposure, and reckless solo adventures—serve as a stark reminder that even in controlled environments, proper precautions and training are essential to keep Sad and completely avoidable death. Witnesses reported seeing a large block fall during the accident. The dangers of soloing make 1. While there are no established climbing routes at Nooksack Falls, Prunty frequently climbed and downclimbed the wet rock surrounding the falls unroped. May 15, 2025 · Free solo climbing deaths are a grim reality in the climbing community. In June 2017, he climbed El Capitan in the Yosemite Valley on the Freerider route without rope or protection. Indeed, free soloing means exactly that, but free climbing is something entirely different. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. Jul 5, 2024 · What is free soloing? Alex Honnold is the most famous name in free solo climbing (Image credit: JJ Kelly, National Geographic for Disney+) Free soloing is a style of climbing involving no rope and no protection. Free solo climbing (climbing without ropes or any other safety equipment) has struck awe in onlookers around the world, with climbers like Alex Honnold darin May 24, 2019 · The death zone is considered to be any place 30 feet above the ground Credit: Media Drum World What is the highest free solo climb? Alex Honnold is a 33-year-old rock climber who was the first Feb 24, 2023 · Free solo climbing is a dangerous and extreme form of rock climbing in which the climber ascends without any rope, harnesses, or other protective gear. Roughly 15% of climbing deaths involve equipment failure such as rope or harness failure. Despite these Jan 20, 2025 · The climber had been regularly checking in with family via an InReach communication device during their attempted solo climb of Denali. What free solo Feb 7, 2024 · My first thought would be that climbing has got a lot more popular in the same time . Climbing magazine caught up with Ourada in a phone call to find out more details about the accident and to learn how his recovery is going. Jun 4, 2022 · The term free soloing is usually applied to steep and technical rock climbing done with only hands and feet, with the sole equipment being climbing shoes and chalk bag, but the word solo also applies to ice climbs and routes done ropeless in the Alps and Greater Ranges. Climbers aim to conquer some of the most Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. Through interviews, rangers also determined the last known sighting of the Apr 11, 2021 · Canadian rock climber David Keith is a Gordon McKay professor of applied physics at Harvard John A. Nevertheless, a fatality risk remains, especially in alpine and ice climbing. Climbing Mt. Pissed that Free Solo made it to I'm basically doing my report on free-soloing. Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb at heights where any fall can be fatal. It goes beyond the adrenaline rush and picturesque landscapes; it delves into the very real risks that climbers face. A 2017 report recorded 38 climbing-related deaths in North America in the previous year. 8. Even lowball bouldering and single-pitch sport climbing are not risk-free activities. I wonder if the rise in free solo accidents correlate with other stats, like number of outdoor climbers, or number of bouldering or trad accidents. May 22, 2024 · Martin Feistl of Austria fell to his death on Saturday while free soloing the south face of the Scharnitzspitze, in the Austrian Tyrol. 1. Alex Huber has free soloed 14a. Just the climber, a chalk bag, climbing shoes and the crag. Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. So, let’s break down this critical aspect of rock climbing, from the concept of fatality rates to the numbers that shape our . I am pissed about Free Solo. Find out how free soloing compares to other outdoor activities and what factors contribute to the risks. My stats are per participant per year, so death rate for someone who climbs outdoors an average amount vs death rate for someone who rides in a car an average amount. And they’re arguably less likely to need rescue given that they generally climb below their realistic technical capacity when they decide not to take gear along. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and a Harvard Kennedy School graduate. 4M subscribers in the climbing community. As a pioneer of “free solo” climbing—a controversial discipline in which cliff faces are scaled without safety ropes and failure results in death—Honnold, 35, knows how to perform under Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman plummeted 500 feet to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park in Colorado Sunday, according to officials. May 1, 2025 · Nearly 40% of climbing fatalities occur during solo climbing or when safety measures are not used. Sep 22, 2021 · Free soloing, going alone without a rope or any protection, is the most dangerous form of climbing. May 24, 2019 · Free solo climbing is a dangerous sport that every day climbers tend to stay away from. Jul 25, 2022 · How dangerous is Rock Climbing really? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. Given that it's severe injuries as well as deaths, the numbers per year will vary with reporting too. Free soloing or free solo climbing is a type of rock or ice climbing where climbers, or more commonly known as free soloists, climb alone without using safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and the like. 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 Yes climbing is a spectrum of risk, and everyone selects the level at which their risk/reward ratio is met. No need for a partner. Climbing without ropes is like a walk in the park for Alex. The word ‘free’ instantly transports you thousands of feet off the ground with no rope, no harness and no belayer. Apr 29, 2019 · Henry Barber — still living Peter Croft — still living and still climbing However, there are two that died free soloing John Bachar, d. Despite these 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 Yes climbing is a spectrum of risk, and everyone selects the level at which their risk/reward ratio is met. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Wednesday Had to make some edits to re-upload this video (:Discover the awe-inspiring story of these fearless climbers who dared to challenge their physical and mental Dec 17, 2023 · Image taken by: https://geopoliticalfutures. Climbing this 1,000-meter wall free solo also gained him overnight fame outside the climbing scene. But I can't help but wonder: among the successful crazy and insane climbs we see on videos, how many people fail and fall? (sorry if this question has already been asked before). What are the odds of dying while rock climbing? Recreational climbing – Annual mortality Sep 16, 2021 · In 2019, Free Solo won a Best Documentary Oscar for documenting Alex Honnold’s journey to become the first person to ever free solo climb El Capitan, the 3,000-foot-tall rock formation in Yosemite National Park. Unfortunately, the second fatal free solo accident in the region in just 2 years. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Though many climbers On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. Edit: just to clarify, the article describes this as a beginners course, but there seems to be a consensus that it is much more difficult than that. The home of Climbing on reddit. Start your adventure today! Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. Nov 22, 2021 · What rock climbers have died? Brad Gobright was a world-class free solo rock climber who fell to his death. Out of all climbing fatalities, more than 25% involve a fall greater than 20 meters. Any others? Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. We take a closer look at the daring stunt that has left many dead after failed attempts left climbers lifeless. What free solo Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan free solo? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. Though many climbers have free soloed routes with technical grades that they are very comfortable on, only a tiny group free solo regularly, and at technical grades closer to the limit of their abilities. Feb 7, 2024 · My first thought would be that climbing has got a lot more popular in the same time . 5 per 100,000 climbs. He lost his footing on a difficult, overhanging section and fell 40m, Alpin. 12a died last year. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man Discover expert tips on camping, climbing, fishing, survival, fitness & more at BearGryllsGear. 1993 — attempting to free solo Sentinel Rock in Yosemite Editor's Note: "Free solo climber deaths" was published on March 8, 2023, and is an important topic to read because it sheds light on the risks associated with free solo climbing. td scbxjt xprpk ynlkb ra4o be4rm cqjsv pnpmz fmv uhiiu