Climbing
A Massachusetts man was killed in a climbing accident on the Rumney Rocks in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire on Friday according to NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division.Â
NH Fish and Game wrote in a report:Â
On Friday, September 25, 2020 at 4:20 PM crews from Rumney Fire Department, Rumney Police Department, Plymouth Fire Department, Warren/Wentworth Fire Department, Campton/Thornton Fire Department and Conservation Officers from NH Fish and Game were notified of a climbing accident at the Rumney Climbing Rocks on Buffalo Road. Medical crews responded to the area and hiked the short distance to the base of the climbing rocks. Despite their efforts the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Through interviews of the climbing partner and nearby climbers it was learned that the man had fallen about 55 feet to the base of the cliff. The man was climbing a route on The Parking Lot Wall known as the Dead Sea Equestrian. The man had communicated to his partner that he was coming down when he suffered a catastrophic equipment malfunction that caused him to fall unaided all the way to the ground. Nearby climbers quickly responded to render aid and contact 911. At this time the Man’s name is being withheld pending notification to family.
The victim has since been identified as 68-year-old Michael Hubert of Woburn, Mass.
This makes for 3 deaths in 6 days from climbing and hiking accidents in New Hampshire mountains.
Update: Officials identified the Rumney Rocks accident victim as 68-year-old Michael Hubert of Woburn, Mass. https://t.co/126k4p8UgQ
— NH Public Radio (@nhpr) September 29, 2020
Some minor clarifications. The picture was from the body recovery on Moby Grape, on Cannon, the previous week.
Regarding the Rumney tragedy; the gear failure was due to an improvised harness that was not rated for rock climbing. Please be safe out there and keep your partners safe.