Climber death at Devils Tower National Monument

DEVILS TOWER, Wyo. (KOTA) - On September 22, just before 8 p.m., Devils Tower law enforcement received a report of a rock climber who had fallen. Responding staff found the injured climber and their partner around 8:40 p.m.

The climber, Stewart Phillip Porter, a 21-year-old man from Eau Claire, WI, fell while rappelling the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo, sustaining major injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a Hulett EMS Paramedic.

Porter's climbing partner was stranded but was later rescued from the Tower with the assistance of Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buck Wild Climbing Guides.

Over the 100-plus years of climbing history at the Tower, there have only been seven climbing deaths. While climbing fatalities at Devils Tower are infrequent, it is still inherently dangerous. The Devils Tower National Monument encourages climbers to follow the below safety tips:

Check the local weather forecast before climbing and observe changing weather conditions. Summer days can bring hot temperatures, and the rock of the Tower can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Storm systems develop quickly in the Black Hills. Lightning, rain, hail, slippery surfaces, and hypothermia are possible during storms.

Park in the lower/gravel lot of the visitor center parking lot. This lot provides more shade for cars parked all day and allows short-term visitors more parking in the upper/paved lot.

Watch for animals (stinging insects, birds, rodents and reptiles all live on the Tower). Temporary route closure due to nesting falcons is typical each spring to protect nesting prairie and peregrine falcons. Routes will be reopened when no nesting activity is observed and/or falcons fledge. Check for route closures when you register at the climbing kiosk or visit the Current Climbing Closure page .

Routes are typically long and sustained in grade. Technical rock climbing equipment is required to safely climb at Devils Tower National Monument. Consult multiple sources for information on a route, as suggested gear varies between guidebooks.

The majority of climbing accidents and deaths on the Tower occur during the rappel. The National Park Service does not maintain anchors - inspect all anchors and back them up if necessary. Ensure you know the location of your rappel route before you begin. Start rappels over the nose of columns to prevent ropes from jamming in cracks. Avoid knocking loose rock onto climbers below. Many rappels require two ropes; know the distance of your planned rappel before beginning.

Climbing helmets are strongly recommended due to frequent rock falls. Significant hazards should be reported to a ranger in the climbing office or visitor center.

In the event of an emergency, remain calm and try to call 911 or shout for help towards the Tower Trail. Local resources and monument staff may assist, but rescue is not guaranteed.

Devils Tower expresses appreciation for Devils Tower Lodge, Buck Wild Climbing Guides, Hulett EMS, and the Crook County Sheriff's Office and monument staff who assisted in search and recovery efforts and offer condolences to the family.