Industry News
Sad news out of Mt. Shasta, CA today. A 57-year-old man died in a fall on 14,162-foot Shasta last Thursday. He fell approximately 400 feet ending up at the 10,500′ level. Some witnesses claim he may have fallen 2,000 feet. When reached the man was unconscious and ended up dying on the mountain before he could be taken to a hospital.
Let’s all of us to be safe out there while mountaineering this summer.
Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Report:
A 57 year old man from San Carlos, Calif., died after he fell while climbing Mt. Shasta Thursday, June 11.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office reported today, June 15, that it responded to a search and rescue call at about 6:22 a.m. Thursday.
Despite assistance from a physician on-scene and emergency response, including the efforts of a California Highway Patrol H-16 helicopter crew, the Sheriff’s Office reported that Michael Murphy “succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead before he could be transported to a medical health care facility.”
The Sheriff’s Office said it was initially notified that Mr. Murphy had fallen about 400 feet from Red Banks and was unconscious in a location north of Lake Helen.
Later, a witness claimed he may have fallen and descended about 2,000 feet, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The climber’s location was estimated to be at the 10,500 foot elevation level.
Lt. Mark Hilsenberg of the Sheriff’s Office states in the release, “On behalf of Sheriff Lopey and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Murphy in the aftermath of this tragic event. The case is still under investigation and anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900.”
Mt. Shasta is not inherently a dangerous climb, but you will find my name at the top, on the registry, along with every other name and each name, (mine included), by the grace of God. One mistake and you are history. Trust me.