Rock climbing death statistics. 3K votes, 260 comments.
- Rock climbing death statistics. 3M subscribers in the climbing community. 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. Jun 10, 2018 · Learn the 5 ways that climbers die: lead falls, rockfall, solo climbing, rappelling, and bad weather. Motor vehicle accidents is the biggest cause of death for males. Some of these climbers died of natural causes, at home or in hospitals, among relatives and friends. I read online that there have been 37 drowning deaths in the state so far this year, which gave me a different perspective. The Prescription brings you monthly unpublished accident reports, tech tips, links to new online educational resources, and much more—all aimed at helping you become a safer climber. We make no claims 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. 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. This study evaluates the incidence and nature of climbing-related injuries, focusing on how different disciplines and climbers’ personal characteristics affect these injuries. In the last decade, there have been 7 climbing deaths on the prolific rock face. Oct 28, 2024 · Despite the dangers associated with rock climbing, it's important to recognize that fatalities are relatively rare when compared to the number of people who participate in the sport. 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. What sports has the highest death rate? Here are the 5 most deadly sports in the world. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing. com! for an intense look into the most harrowing rock climbing tragedies in nature. One is to learn about the capabilities of the existing systems, what data they are able to provide, how the data is being used to support climbing safety, their success factors as Free-solo climber dies following 500-foot-fall at Rocky Mountain National Park > The risk of death during rock climbing is 1 in 320,000 climbs according to the HSE Hmm interesting statistic. Jul 3, 2025 · Discover all statistics and data on Mountain climbing worldwide now on statista. Mountain Rescue Aspen and other agencies responded, but the climber succumbed. At least 100 people have died on the mountain. However, few data have been published on climbing accidents in Switzerland, even though the Swiss Alps are a major climbing resort. Sep 4, 2020 · Because most climbing was done in this way, when people started to climb with just their hands and feet on the rock but using protection just to protect from falls – they called this style “free climbing”. our professionals will tell you the truth Oct 31, 2015 · Experienced climber Steph Abegg has compiled a series of charts to show mountain climbing injury rates, locations and more. It has been estimated that rock climbing is now enjoyed by more than 9 million people in the U. There’s more information that can be found on the Mountain Project forum for accidents and injuries here. However, like any sport, it carries its own set of risks, and understanding the causes of fatalities in rock climbing is crucial for climbers to navigate these challenges safely. 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. Sep 8, 2010 · Mountaineering data uses 1990-2006 AAC accident statistics for consistency. 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. Do not pursue rock climbing and its related activities without proper training and equipment. including sports such as kayaking, paragliding, rock climbing, snow sports and mountain biking) there were 693 deaths. Jul 21, 2009 · In the past decade the popularity of rock climbing has dramatically increased. I have also written full, detailed articles related to some of the facts mentioned that can give you more insight. Sep 4, 2018 · There have been over 30 recorded climbing deaths on El Capitan between 1905 and 2023. Jan 9, 2023 · Each year we compile this tribute to the climbers who’ve passed away in the previous 12 months. 7 per day, Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. 3K votes, 260 comments. Our goal was to identify trends among all Half Dome-related fatalities in Yosemite National Park. Overcrowding at the turn of the 21st century prompted a restriction of hiker access to cable handrails to the summit without technical rock climbing equipment. com Rock climbing, with its breathtaking ascents and jaw-dropping vistas, is a pursuit that beckons adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Scroll down to see the odds and for more data and related content below the infographic. It was a particularly tragic year, and the full list of climbers and explorers who died is much longer than we can include here, but all have our utmost respect. Authorities said there has been a sharp increase in the number of climbing deaths this year. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. S. 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. Rock climbing deaths often result from a combination of Jun 4, 2019 · Rock climbing has a long history, so let’s look at 38 facts you may or may not have heard before. A May 13, 2025 · Three rock climbers fell to their deaths in Washington state, authorities said. Of these, 319 (56%) were related to mountaineering (this includes hillwalking, scrambling, rock climbing and winter climbing). 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. Apr 27, 2024 · One person is dead and another is seriously injured after a two-person climbing team fell 1,000 feet while ascending a mountain in Alaska’s Denali National Park on Thursday. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. Chris Sharma Want to increase your knowledge on rock climbing? Here are 50 facts about climbing. each year. 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. The purpose of this study was to assess the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost due to climbing-related injury among persons presenting to US emergency departments (ED). People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. Int J Environ Res Public Health 17:203. A 12 year old, Italian climber called Tito Traversa died because of faulty Quickdraws Dec 1, 2018 · Rock climbing and mountaineering are popular outdoor recreational activities. The facts here may include scientific studies to provide evidence. According to various studies and reports, the number of fatalities ranges from 15 to 30 deaths annually in the United States alone. One rappelling accident resulted in a fatality. From its start, rock climbing has been pushing limits in every way possible. May 1, 2025 · Key Findings 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. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. Free solo climbing (or free soloing) is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs solo (or alone) and 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). In May 2018, a 29-year-old biochemist fell to his death during thunderstorms. Whitney’s technical Mountaineer’s Route on Tuesday have been found dead. May 26, 2022 · Sports epidemiology is the study of the determinants and distribution of injury. Jan 22, 2025 · Two rescues occurred simultaneously in Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon over the weekend. 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 Deaths per mountain See also The Himalayan Database 1986 K2 disaster List of Mount Everest death statistics List of people who died climbing Mount Everest List of mountaineering disasters by death toll Lists of people by cause of death Mount Hood climbing accidents mountains portal Jul 3, 2025 · When looking at the 14 highest mountains above sea level worldwide, Annapurna I and K2 were the mountains with highest summit to death ratio, at 27. 1. 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. The overall fatality rate for outdoor rock climbing is approximately 0. To analyse data on accidents related to outdoor climbing treated This report shows incident trends for climbing through March 2024 Extreme & devastating climbing accidents while free soloing! These are the most dangerous cliffs & challenging rock climbs that ended in horrible, massive in Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mountaineering deaths. See full list on 99boulders. The causes of death, contributing factors and potential to prevent deaths in extreme sports are poorly understood. Base Jumping. The classification of climbing activity enables researchers to evaluate the risk of injury associated with a particular type of climbing behavior and to profile the risk of injury Jan 11, 2025 · These statistics highlight the potential risks associated with rock climbing. 2009 — while free soloing moderate rock (Honnold and Synnott believe Bachar had health challenges that affected his fateful climb) Derek Hersey, d. Disclaimer Rock climbing is an inherently dangerous activity that may lead to serious injury or death. 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 Climbing, a sport with increasing popularity, poses diverse risks and injury patterns across its various disciplines. At the start of September, highly experienced climber Aaron Livingston, aged 32, died climbing on Donner Summit’s Black Wall (above photo). It improves the mind, keeps you healthy, and gives you friends for life. Investigators believe their equipment failed as they were descending a ravine. Objective To understand the causes of death and contributing factors in extreme sports Nov 23, 2022 · Rock climbing facts: highest and first artificial climbing wall, leading climbers, history of rock climbing. And yes we are scared of falling. Nevertheless, each death is a tragic event that underscores the importance of safety precautions, proper training, and respect for the climbing environment. Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. A new study by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Research Institute at the Nationwide Children's Hospital found that as the popularity of the sport has escalated, so have the Mar 6, 2025 · The 28-year-old engineering student fell to her death while climbing on the Tryfan mountain in Snowdonia, Wales. Livingston was a big part of the California May 8, 2020 · How many deaths are there from extreme sports? Results Using a narrow definition of extreme sports (i. This is a category for people who were killed while mountaineering. I'd be equally interested to know how they got their figures for how many routes are climbed, it must be based on a very rough estimate! > the risk of death in a road accident is close to 100 x larger than the risk of being injured Daniel Eugene Osman (February 11, 1963 – November 23, 1998) [2] was an American extreme sport practitioner, known for the dangerous sport of free-soloing, rock climbing without ropes or other safety gear. May 15, 2025 · A Washington rock climber survived a devastating fall that claimed the lives of his three companions, authorities reported. 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. We’ve included the full press release below. The National Park Service has published a press release about a recent death of a rock climber on Devils Tower in Wyoming. 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. View the inaugural report . Our goal was to identify trends among all Half Dome–related fatalities in Mar 29, 2022 · Outdoor rock climbing has become popular in recent years. Let’s delve into the sobering aspects of this Jun 2, 2025 · Our in-depth WifiTalents Market Report about Rock Climbing Death Statistics. Fourteeners are Colorado's most popular peaks and with their popularity has come increased accidents. ) Below is a bar graph (sent to me by my friend Clint Cummins) showing the main causes of death in the US in 1988 for age 15-44, by sex. Background Extreme sports are popular and include motorised and non-motorised vehicle sports, e. The Leader in Wilderness Education 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. Last year 204 accidents resulting in 210 injuries and 22 deaths were reported to Accidents in North American Climbing (ANAC), a . This work serves two purposes. 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. 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. This year’s list includes 50 climbers, ranging in age from 22 to 102. A statistical analysis of mountaineering deaths on Colorado 14ers from 2010-2016. 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. 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 Nov 29, 2019 · World-renowned climber Brad Gobright has fallen to his death while abseiling in northern Mexico. Dec 27, 2019 · Climbing Accidents—Prospective Data Analysis from the International Alpine Trauma Registry and Systematic Review of the Literature 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. For safer styles of climbing, like sport climbing, bouldering, and gym climbing, the risk is reduced even further. It cannot be complete – every day, people figure out new ways to get injured and die while climbing. 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. This study evaluates the incidence and nature of climbing-related injuries, focusing on how different disciplines and climbers’ 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. rock climbing. Exclusion criteria were review articles, studies on specific injuries of a single body region, chronic pathologies resulting from rock climbing, accidents resulting from indoor climbing and case reports. Sep 24, 2024 · A 21-year-old rock climber has died after “sustaining major injuries” while climbing Devil’s Tower National Monument, authorities said. THE PRESCRIPTION YOUR MONTHLY DOSE OF ACCIDENTS IN NORTH AMERICAN CLIMBING Now you won’t have to wait all year for fresh stories and lessons about climbing accidents and near misses. Nov 5, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. There are few treasures of more lasting worth than the experiences of a way of life that is in itself wholly satisfying. He participated in rope jumping, falling several hundred feet from a cliff then being caught by a safety rope, for which his record was over 1,000 feet (300 m). May 6, 2019 · Half Dome at Yosemite National Park has seen at least 290 accidents and 12 deaths in the past 15 years. Jun 4, 2020 · The risk of serious injury or death is almost 50% more likely with swimming when compared to rock climbing. 1993 — attempting to free solo Sentinel Rock in Yosemite Feb 2, 2023 · But is it really dangerous to hike to Pulpit Rock and stay at the plateau? Let’s look at the numbers of falls from Pulpit Rock, and how many people have died from falling down. 50 Facts about (Rock) Climbing Climbing is an exhilarating sport. Dec 17, 2023 · Image by: climbingport. Prior epidemiological study of Half Dome deaths is not known to the authors. More recently, indoor climbing has become popular, which has increased the number of persons at risk for climbing-related injuries. Sep 29, 2020 · A day earlier, on Sept. Aug 25, 2024 · A 33-year-old climber tragically died after a fall on Williams Peak near Aspen. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. Both were free-soloing related accidents. Australian Climbing Accident Register This is a volunteer-only project to promote open discussion of incidents and near miss events in recreational climbing in Australia. 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. 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. Such, after all, are 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. This usually happens when climbing outside more often than not, but there have been deaths (although uncommon) indoors. The use of proper safety gear reduces 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. Most persons with climbing-related injuries presenting to EDs do not require inpatient admission. Rock climbing has a very, very low fatality rate. Anyway, here they are. Data on injury incidence, severity, and consequences, as well as climbers’ personal attributes 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. 2 percent and 22. g. The best part of climbing is when it all clicks and gravity ceases to exist. This initial version of the database compiles information about existing, national systems and processes for accident and incident reporting relating to climbing and mountaineering. This list includes climbing and mountaineering disasters that resulted in multiple deaths (2+) in North America. So how many people have died on Half Dome? As of 2025, there have been 25 confirmed deaths on the cable section 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. 2 As climbing grows in popularity, so does the need to better understand climbing-related injuries and treatment. Dec 10, 2021 · This chart shows the number of deaths as a share of all expeditions on mountains over 8,000 meters. The total number of separate team activations or “call-outs” was 870, or 976 including “continuations” (linked call-outs on different days). It forces you to challenge yourself, to conquer your fears. Dec 11, 2024 · Today, ExplorersWeb would like to remember the mountaineers and adventurers we lost in 2024. Jan 22, 2025 · Our annual tribute to the members of the climbing community we lost this past year. Dec 27, 2019 · Climbing has become an increasingly popular sport, and the number of accidents is increasing in parallel. Use basic safety tips and good judgment to stay alive. 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. The home of Climbing on reddit. Others died free soloing or in rappelling accidents; they died of rockfall, exposure, avalanches, altitude sickness, or while Aug 11, 2014 · Despite the death of two experienced climbers in North Wales in recent weeks, if you look at the statistics over the longer term, rock climbing and hill walking accident rates are actually decreasing. This is usually caused by more experienced climbers acting cocky and forgetting to attach certain pieces of equipment into the wall. 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 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. motocross, mountain biking and water skiing, as well as non-vehicle sports, e. May 9, 2024 · Two climbers who were reported missing on Mt. 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. Sep 1, 2018 · One of the most popular destinations in Yosemite National Park is Half Dome. Although death is rare among patients with climbing-related injuries, the costs of injuries in survivors remain high. 03 deaths per 10,000 climbers per year. The Devils Tower National Monument says that there have been seven climbing deaths at the national monument since its Nov 30, 2019 · Climbing has a reputation as a dangerous sport —and rightfully so. 3% of adults participated in rock climbing at least once during the prior 12 months. Sep 2, 2022 · The number of deaths that resulted from climbing accidents in the United States between 1951 and 2019 exhibits considerable region variability. 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. Although these statistics continue to change over time, they offer some perspective. This video details five chilling cases of climbers who met a tragic end while scaling the heights, highlighting the 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. Falls are responsible for around 60% of all climbing-related fatalities. Dec 19, 2024 · Earlier this week another man died after falling from the Boulder Flatirons. And buckle up on your way to your next adventure! 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. Obviously, even one fatality is too many- especially in a close group like the climbing community; however, the odds of it happening to you are very low. 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. This is an average of 2. Deaths from falling down from Pulpit Rock are very rare, but they do happen every once in a while. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on Denali, the highest mountain in North America. com Included were original articles on rock climbing accidents and associated injuries, analyzing acute injuries involving the entire body. Sep 1, 2017 · Recent data from Utah, where indoor and outdoor climbing is readily accessible, indicate that 13. Jun 14, 2022 · Climbing accidents-prospective data analysis from the international alpine trauma registry and systematic review of the literature. Apr 10, 2025 · After a deadly winter in the Flatirons, a Boulder climber reckons with the risks of ropeless climbing — and his own mortality. e. This style of climbing is extremely dangerous, as any fall could result in serious injury or death. 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. [1] Death Death can be caused when rock climbing due to complacency. 8 percent, respectively, as of Climbing in Colorado for a dozen years, never lost anyone close but definitely felt repercussions around this community. Explore the latest data. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou Feb 19, 2024 · Climbing, a sport with increasing popularity, poses diverse risks and injury patterns across its various disciplines. The following keywords were used: death risk, mortality, mountain hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and high-altitude climbing. The following is a list of mountaineering disasters in North America by death toll. This website contains information about some of the dangers of rock climbing. ufuqo wilqe crcvjrvf jwat chpizpm cooairo rowif nmxputx hfn yjb