Free climbing death rate. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. 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. Alex's hardest free solo is at the grade of 13a iirc. . Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated How many people died from rock climbing a year? According to the U. 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. 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). Jan 11, 2025 · With an annual worldwide climbing fatalities rate of approximately 30 deaths per year, the importance of choosing an appropriate climbing route and being aware of potential hazards to help reduce the risk of accidents cannot be overstated. May 9, 2023 · CWA’s questionable climber injury and death rate data from their survey get a fact checking F from experts In Featured News by Wireless EstimatorMay 9, 2023 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. Jun 2, 2025 · Our in-depth WifiTalents Market Report about Rock Climbing Death Statistics. Witnesses reported seeing a large block fall during the accident. Even lowball bouldering and single-pitch sport climbing are not risk-free activities. Climbing Mt. e. 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. Proportionally, true "killer mountains" claim far more lives. This is a list of mountaineers who have died on these mountains. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. He was 27 years old. Climbers aim to conquer some of the most Feb 7, 2024 · My first thought would be that climbing has got a lot more popular in the same time . Mountaineering athletes, for instance, demonstrate higher rates of head and spine injuries as well as higher grade traumas and poly-traumas, while sport and alpine climbing see a high incidence of lower limb Nov 5, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 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. Explore the latest data. However, due to its popularity and "accessibility," the number of deaths on Everest is Sep 17, 2024 · The year after, 12 more technicians would lose their lives climbing. 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. Free soloing, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, is climbing without a rope, safety gear or a climbing partner. And in 2013, as 3G transitioned into LTE, 13 climbers died on the job — with six of those deaths occurring across just 12 weeks. For instance, K2 where almost every fourth climber dies, or Kangchenjunga, claiming the life of every fifth. Jul 23, 2025 · When looking at the ** highest mountains above sea level worldwide, Annapurna I and K2 were the mountains with highest summit to death ratio, at **** percent and **** percent, respectively, as of Do people who free climb skyscrapers have a high mortality rate? And if you are an urban free climber why do you do it! Climbing at all is an intentional risk. S. See full list on climbgearhub. The following is a list of mountaineering disasters in North America by death toll. How many Mar 2, 2023 · Annapurna stands as the inverse of Mt. For safer styles of climbing, like sport climbing, bouldering, and gym climbing, the risk is reduced even further. 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. May 1, 2007 · For example, statistical comparison between the death rates of motorcyclists, BASE jumpers and climbers in the U. My question is: Have you personally lost a friend or loved one climbing? If so, how long had you been climbing at that point? In my second year of climbing my best friend died in a top roping accident. 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. K. Dec 22, 2024 · Deadliest Mountain over 8000 Meters altitude from sea level as per the Latest Fatality Rate 2023/24. 1. Cho Oyu (1. What Is Free Solo Climbing? Apr 3, 2019 · The climber only has climbing shoes, chalk for their hands, and the willingness to climb with no safeguard. Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. 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. Dec 7, 2024 · Learn about Island Peak Deaths: Risks, Causes, and How to Stay Safe During Your Climb. Everest and Makalu). 4 alpine routes. So, let’s break down this critical aspect of rock climbing, from the concept of fatality rates to the numbers that shape our The following keywords were used: death risk, mortality, mountain hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and high-altitude climbing. ResultsOver the study period, 21 of 29,397 climbers died, yielding a fatality rate of 0. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. We take a closer look at the daring stunt that has left many dead after failed attempts left climbers lifeless. May 22, 2023 · The 2023 death toll on Everest has already reached double digits—with multiple people still missing. Understand the challenges of high-altitude trekking, proper acclimatization, and preparation to ensure a secure and rewarding ascent of Island Peak 6 days ago · However, the risk of death may vary for different types of mountain activities. Dec 27, 2019 · According to literature found on the number of climbing accidents and fatality rate, mountain climbing cannot be defined as high-risk sport, except for free solo climbing, where a fall is often fatal. com Understanding the fatality rates in rock climbing is paramount for climbers and enthusiasts alike. 2K votes, 541 comments. Alex Huber has free soloed 14a. May 24, 2019 · Free solo climbing is a dangerous sport that every day climbers tend to stay away from. 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. So how many tower climbers die per year and what is the tower climber death rate? 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 person to make a free solo climb on the world's most famous rock face, El Capitan. 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 24, 2012 · Since 2003, tower climbing has ranked among the most dangerous jobs in America, compiling an average annual death rate more than 10 times that of construction work. We aim at describing the characteristics of climbing accidents leading to severe (multisystem) trauma using data from the International Alpine 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 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. And buckle up on your way to your next adventure! Oct 24, 2024 · The Mount Everest Death Rate updated information by Himalayan Trekking and Tours 2024, Get in what are the death rate of on climbing Everest. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man Yes climbing is a spectrum of risk, and everyone selects the level at which their risk/reward ratio is met. Although these statistics continue to change over time, they offer some perspective. Feb 14, 2022 · A comprehensive analysis of 30 years worth of data of climbing accidents recorded in Accidents in North American Climbing. 3 days ago · Free Soloing Deaths - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Nov 30, 2022 · As many know, tower climber deaths are a real risk. de reported, quoting a police 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 lost his footing on a difficult, overhanging section and fell 40m, Alpin. Jan 9, 2023 · “Climbers We Lost” is an annual tribute to community members we've lost in the past year. Everest. 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. 5 per 100,000 climbs. Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. While the risks are evident, the reasons why climbers choose to free solo are multifaceted and deeply personal. 71 per 1000). Even though Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, it doesn't even rank in the top three for climbing fatalities. 4M subscribers in the climbing community. The problem with free soloing is that if you do die, best case scenario you're creating a horrific mess somebody else has to clean up; worst case scenario you're damaging the global climbing community with a high-profile accident that will make people think climbing is more dangerous and irresponsible than it is, inspire private landowners to 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. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 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. 283 votes, 57 comments. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation about the responsibility of free soloers. As a climber, I wish this were less widely publicized. Jul 5, 2019 · This is the second free soloing death that has occurred this year as the result of unstable rock. 4% fatality rate): Apr 22, 2024 · How many people died on Mount Everest? The mortality rate on Everest is about 2% of all climbers. Tragically, the climbing world lost this legend in 2009 when he fell to his death free-soloing a moderate route on the Dike Wall above Lake George. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. He passed away doing what he loved. Any others? Jan 15, 2016 · head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) once called tower climbing “the most dangerous job in America,” and for good reason. Not sure why this was downvoted - sport climbing and alpine climbing/solo-ing are not the same and just because you're a strong sport climber doesn't mean you can or should solo 5. Jan 24, 2024 · How Often Do Rock Climbers Die Per Climb? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. The home of Climbing on reddit. Nov 2, 2023 · He often spoke about the purity of free soloing and the deep connection between the climber, the rock, and the moment. Sad and completely avoidable death. What free solo Apr 2, 2025 · Local Free-solo climber falls to death at Nooksack Falls Family honors outdoorsman’s legacy of adventure and passion for nature April 2, 2025 5:55 p. The eight-thousanders are the 14 mountains that rise more than 8,000 metres (26,247 ft) above sea level. Mar 30, 2024 · Annually there are around 30 rock climbing-related deaths per year. , avoiding any form of aid), were often practicing free solo climbing (or rope soloing), as the effectiveness of their climbing protection (usually a rope around their waist) was minimal. Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. Notable Free Solos Aug 18, 2010 · K2 — sometimes referred to as the "holy grail of mountaineering" — is just 800 feet shorter than Mount Everest, but it is a much more dangerous climb. Free soloing is extremely dangerous, and dozens of climbers - including experienced ones die doing it every year. 7 on the Bastille formation in Eldorado Canyon. May 22, 2012 · Tower climbing, an obscure field with no more than 10,000 workers, has a death rate roughly 10 times that of construction. Feb 19, 2023 · Zach Milligan, a prolific free solo climber who was one of the first to descend the national park’s Half Dome on skis, died after a fall in Canada. At least 100 people have died on the mountain. 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. And yes we are scared of falling. They are all in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges. Of these deaths, 25% are due to rappelling accidents and 30% are due to solo climbing accidents. Given that it's severe injuries as well as deaths, the numbers per year will vary with reporting too. found that the death rate for climbers was 1:4000 which compares favourably Apr 18, 2025 · This study aimed to characterize recent climber mortality on Aconcagua to aid in future safety efforts. com Many early 20th-century rock climbers who began to free climb (i. 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. Just goes to show that sport climbing and alpine climbing are wildly different beasts. including 8 different mountains 71 votes, 21 comments. This list includes climbing and mountaineering disasters that resulted in multiple deaths (4+). Nov 16, 2023 · The Breakdown Many free soloist have died trying, so why do it? Free soloing, the act of climbing without the use of ropes or safety gear, is one of the most daring and controversial forms of rock climbing. Individuals who engage in extreme sports are risk-takers and seek to Feb 7, 2024 · My first thought would be that climbing has got a lot more popular in the same time . 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. 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 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. Rescuing a free solo climber isn’t any more risky than rescuing a roped-in climber. Jul 28, 2024 · Summit Coach Schedule a Free Call If you dream of climbing mountains but are unsure how to start or reach your next level, from a Colorado 14er to Rainier, Everest, or even K2, we can help. The grade isn't the reason he gets his notoriety. MethodsClimber fatalities from Aconcagua for the 10 most recent climbing seasons (2013-2024) were retrospectively reviewed. Here are the top ten mountains with the highest death rates in the world. Dec 29, 2024 · Based on available data, the rate of climbing-related deaths appears to have stabilized in recent years, but it is still a concerning figure when you consider that rock climbing fatalities make up a small percentage of all outdoor recreation-related deaths. 1993 — attempting to free solo Sentinel Rock in Yosemite 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. Nov 22, 2021 · How dangerous is Rock Climbing really? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. 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. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world but only has the tenth highest death rate. 2009 — while free soloing moderate rock (Honnold and Synnott believe Bachar had health challenges that affected his fateful climb) Derek Hersey, d. 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. Jun 21, 2023 · Different forms of climbing also demonstrate different trends in rates, severity, and fatality of injuries within the sport as a whole. It goes beyond the adrenaline rush and picturesque landscapes; it delves into the very real risks that climbers face. Writer Nick Heil reviews three new books We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Out of all climbing fatalities, more than 25% involve a fall greater than 20 meters. Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. An experienced free soloist, Feistl was climbing ropeless on the Spitzenstätter-Baldauf route, a 270m line described in detail here. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern Free solo climbing (climbing without ropes or any other safety equipment) has struck awe in onlookers around the world, with climbers like Alex Honnold daring to scale insane heights. Apr 29, 2025 · Climbing may seem exhilarating and risk-filled, but startling statistics reveal that approximately 1 in 10,000 climbers face a fatal accident annually—an urgent reminder of the dangers and the critical importance of safety measures in this high-risk sport. It’s been estimated that tower climbers—typically subcontractors—have an on-the-job death rate nearly 10 times that of other construction workers. Apr 2, 2025 · K2’s historic fatality rate has been above 20 percent, making it one of the most perilous high altitude mountaineering objectives in the world, comparable only to Annapurna I (8,091m), which historically had a death rate above 30 percent, and Nanga Parbat (8,126m), whose death-to-summit ratio traditionally hovers around 21 percent. The following is a list of mountaineering disasters by death toll. Statistic 31 of 45 Denali, the highest mountain in North America. May 15, 2025 · Free solo climbing deaths are a grim reality in the climbing community. 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. In 2017, the day after Alex Honnold completed his free-solo ascent of El-Capitan, climbing journalist and author Daniel Duane wrote in The New York Times: “I believe that it should be celebrated as one of the great athletic feats of any 1. Is bouldering safer than rock climbing? Jul 24, 2019 · This is still one of our favorite infographics of all time, illustrating the chances of dying by sport and activity. Dec 17, 2023 · Image taken by: https://geopoliticalfutures. Gonna hit on some of the free-soloing greats like Honnold and Potter. It is any sport or recreational activity that is potentially unsafe and where there is an increased risk of serious injury or death. Let’s put it this way: no injuries are really reported in this extreme sport because those who don’t make it have died. m. The most recent was in June, when a climber fell to his death from a cliff on the west coast of Vancouver Island. And the climbing season isn’t over yet. In the last nine years, nearly 100 tower climbers have been killed on the 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 May 30, 2025 · The fatality rate for free solo climbing is significantly higher than roped climbing, estimated at 0. 071% (0. Sorry to be pessimistic. This figure might not seem shocking. Activities include BASE and wingsuit jumping, free climbing, freediving and heli-skiing. What are the odds of dying while rock climbing? I'm basically doing my report on free-soloing. The free solo accidents number might seem pretty high, but remember you only have once chance of getting this right. I understand the art you all are doing, and I enjoy watching urban climbing videos so much. Climbing has become an increasingly popular sport, and the number of accidents is increasing in parallel. Apr 22, 2025 · Earl Prunty—the "upside down free soloist"—was known for downclimbing unroped upside down. 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. An extreme sport is one which is defined as very dangerous and exciting as well as physically hazardous. 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. 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. 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. Jun 3, 2018 · Two men climbing a granite rock wall known as El Capitan in Yosemite National Park fell to their deaths Saturday morning, the National Park Service said. Scroll down to see the odds and for more data and related content below the infographic. List of Mount Everest death statistics Statue honoring the woman Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit but did not make it down alive List of Mount Everest death statistics is a list of statistics about death on Mount Everest. Not to mention the media has made everyone think we’re always free soloing (thx honnold) and painted climbers as suicidal maniacs. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The dangers of soloing make Six of the fourteen summits of the Eight-Thousanders (Manaslu, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Mt. This list includes climbing and mountaineering disasters that resulted in multiple deaths (2+) in North America. cagcy jfnpexugd fsfc khbrg xssj szqkthx ksqtv ymnwjh okeaea ktgn