Rock climbing death rate. How many deaths are caused by rock climbing? How dangerous is Rock Climbing really? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. found an incidence of 2. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. S. 283 votes, 57 comments. Dr. Apr 30, 2025 · BASE jumping is the sport with the highest death rate among the options provided, as it involves jumping from fixed objects with heightened risks due to low altitudes. Amy Ruth Stine, 49, was Discover the 10 deadliest mountains to climb, ranked by death rates. And buckle up on your way to your next adventure! Jun 2, 2025 · On average, approximately 5-10 fatalities occur annually in the United States related to rock climbing. Jun 7, 2024 · Read on for a complete rundown of the world’s 10 most dangerous mountains for climbing, listed in no particular order. 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. 7%, and the estimated total mortality rate was 0. 6 per 100,000 climbers, or 0. Jul 5, 2019 · This is the second free soloing death that has occurred this year as the result of unstable rock. 1993 — attempting to free solo Sentinel Rock in Yosemite Jun 7, 2024 · Read on for a complete rundown of the world’s 10 most dangerous mountains for climbing, listed in no particular order. Explore the latest data. e. Nov 22, 2021 · How common are climbing accidents? Do rock climbers fall? 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. Using just their hands and feet in some sticky-rubber Nov 22, 2021 · How dangerous is Rock Climbing really? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. 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. 8 deaths per million visitors, respectively. 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). Sorry to be pessimistic. List of mountaineering disasters by death toll North Face of Everest as seen from the path to North Base Camp. Apr 29, 2025 · Our in-depth Market Data Report about Rock Climbing Death Statistics. How do most rock climbers die Nov 22, 2021 · What are the odds of dying while rock climbing? Recreational climbing – Annual mortality risk of 1 in 1,750. 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. May 13, 2025 · NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK, Wash. com Rock climbing, with its breathtaking ascents and jaw-dropping vistas, is a pursuit that beckons adventure enthusiasts from around the world. 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. 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 list includes climbing and mountaineering disasters that resulted in multiple deaths (4+). Most death statistics for Himalayan mountains come from The Himalayan Oct 15, 2008 · A Pittsburgh doctor who was an experienced rock climber fell to her death over the weekend at a popular West Virginia climbing spot, State Police said Tuesday. 7 on the Bastille formation in Eldorado Canyon. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing. 5 accidents per 1000 mountaineers per year or 5. Oct 19, 2020 · The case fatality rate was 4. 76u0007 u0007 It is interesting that the injury rate is higher for snow and ice climbing but that the Oct 4, 2024 · BASE jumping is considered the sport with the highest death rate due to the extreme risks involved. 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 May 21, 2024 · A solo climber was found dead Monday on Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. However, worldwide statistics are harder to pin Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. Nov 29, 2023 · Rock climbing and mountaineering are popular outdoor recreational activities. The overall fatality rate for outdoor rock climbing is approximately 0. Has anyone free soloed El Cap since Alex Jan 22, 2025 · Our annual tribute to the members of the climbing community we lost this past year. But, for some people, the risk adds to the fun and adventure of climbing. Jan 20, 2025 · There are currently 352 climbers on Denali’s West Buttress Route, the majority of whom are much lower on the mountain this early in the climbing season. 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). 007 per 1000 h of rock climbing. 72 0. So how many people have died on Half Dome? As of 2025, there have been 25 confirmed deaths on the cable section 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. 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 Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold climbing 3,000 foot up El Cap without a rope in “Free Solo” caught the world’s attention. 13 per 1000 climbing hours [22] and hospital mortality is extremely rare, it is less than 1% [7]. Nov 29, 2019 · World-renowned climber Brad Gobright has fallen to his death while abseiling in northern Mexico. Jul 12, 2024 · Discover the world's deadliest mountains from K2 to Annapurna. 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. According to various studies and reports, the number of fatalities ranges from 15 to 30 deaths annually in the United States alone. 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. See full list on scoutorama. An experienced free soloist, Feistl was climbing ropeless on the Spitzenstätter-Baldauf route, a 270m line described in detail here. Climbing activities also carry the potential for fatalities, with a rate of 0. reported a fatality rate of 41% [18]. The dangers of soloing make . Differences in the activities, conditions and methods of calculation make meaningful mortality rates Jun 21, 2023 · Different forms of climbing also demonstrate different trends in rates, severity, and fatality of injuries within the sport as a whole. Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated TABLE III Estimated Accident and Mortality Rates for Snow and Ice Climbing and Rock Climbing u0007 Number of climbersu0007 Injuries per 1000 Deaths per 1000 registered climbers registered climbersu0007 u0007 Snow and iceu0007 6,241u0007 3. A 2017 report recorded 38 climbing-related deaths in North America in the previous year. 6 deaths for every 100 mountaineers. It has been estimated that rock climbing is now enjoyed by more than 9 million people in the U. Mountaineering rangers from Denali National Park and Preserve found the climber at 17,000 feet of 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. At least 100 people have died on the mountain. In a study conducted in 2004, researchers reviewed the deaths of tourists who were climbing Kilimanjaro over an eight year time span. Nov 22, 2021 · How dangerous is Rock Climbing really? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. Accordingly, >400 sport-specific injury studies were analysed and compared by quantifying the injury incidence and May 13, 2025 · Three climbers from Renton, Washington died while climbing a popular peak in North Cascades National Park over the weekend. At least 300 people have died on the mountain. 86 0. The most common cause of death on Kilimanjaro is acute mountain sickness. Acute traumatic injuries requiring professional rescue when rock climbing are often severe or fatal. 0136% death rate. This list includes climbing and mountaineering disasters that resulted in multiple deaths (2+) in North America. [1] Jul 1, 2012 · PDF | Climbing and mountaineering sports are gaining more and more public interest. The controversy over free soloing has been around since it’s beginnings – but it’s hard not to be captivated by the unique style of climbing Free Soloing is the act of climbing without any rope, harness, or safety equipment. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. 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 Dec 17, 2023 · Image by: climbingport. A comprehensive literature search was performed on the death risk (mortality) in mountain sports, primarily practiced during the summer season, i. More recently, indoor climbing has become popular, which has increased the number of persons at risk for climbing-related injuries. 03 deaths per 10,000 climbers per year. It’s a place where the spirit of adventure collides with the unforgiving forces of nature. Rock climbing, while statistically safer than many assume, still presents elevated risk compared to sedentary activities that most life insurance policies are designed to cover. My stats are per participant per year, so death rate for someone who climbs outdoors an average amount vs death rate for someone who rides in a car an average amount. Nov 28, 2019 · Acclaimed free solo climber Brad Gobright died Wednesday while rapelling in El Potrero Chico, Mexico, a popular rock climbing destination in northern Mexico. 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. Jul 24, 2019 · Although these statistics continue to change over time, they offer some perspective. , mountain hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, rock, ice and high-altitude climbing. They found that the overall mortality rate was just 13. Let’s delve into the sobering aspects of this 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. Denali, the highest mountain in North America. It was found that the death risk varies considerably between different summer mountain sports. This chapter reviews scientific studies on injuries and accidents in | Find, read and cite all the research Mar 31, 2025 · The man and another climber both fell from Scotland's highest mountain on Saturday. What are the hardest mountains to climb? Death rates, facts, and challenges beyond Mount Everest. de reported, quoting a police Jan 21, 2025 · The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) said a climber is dead after falling from a climbing route in Red Rock. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. Dec 27, 2019 · Patients and Methods 18 SC and 12 AC rock climbing accidents were evaluated retrospectively with a focus on climbers` demographics (age, experience, training intensity, performance level Six of the fourteen summits of the Eight-Thousanders (Manaslu, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Mt. A fourth climber survived. Always stay on trail and away from cliffs to stay safe while hiking in Yosemite. 6 injuries per 10,000 hours of mountaineering [13]. Other activities like rock climbing and skydiving have risks too, but they are generally lower in terms of fatalities. 8, 6. Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. The following is a list of mountaineering disasters in North America by death toll. Oct 7, 2012 · 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. 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. 0, and 5. 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. These five climbing routes are renowned for their extreme difficulty, high Free-solo climber dies following 500-foot-fall at Rocky Mountain National Park Nov 22, 2021 · Is indoor rock climbing safe? How common are climbing accidents? How dangerous is Rock Climbing really? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. The climbing season typically begins in early May and ends in early July. They are all in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges. Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated 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. Dec 6, 2022 · Free soloing is the most dangerous type of rock climbing, but lead climbing has the highest rate of serious injuries. (AP) — Three climbers from suburban Seattle were killed in a fall over the weekend in North Cascades National Park, sheriff’s officials said. 4M subscribers in the climbing community. What are the odds of dying while rock climbing? Oct 15, 2019 · It was found that the death risk varies considerably between different summer mountain sports. 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. reported 5. 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. Last year 204 accidents resulting in 210 injuries and 22 deaths were reported to Accidents in North American Climbing (ANAC), a Sep 8, 2010 · Conditionally, mountaineering can be a risky undertaking (for example, it would probably be much more dangerous to go climbing on loose rock in poor weather than to drive down a residential street mid-morning). Climbing injuries are typically caused by overuse injuries, blisters, twisted ankles, scraped knees, broken nails, sprains, and pulled muscles. The number of rock climbers presenting to US Emergency Departments for rock climbing-related injuries ranges from 3023 (±149) [10] to 3816 (±854) [12] per year. Apr 18, 2018 · 2. Witnesses reported seeing a large block fall during the accident. The Czech Mountaineering Association reports an average of 3. 2009 — while free soloing moderate rock (Honnold and Synnott believe Bachar had health challenges that affected his fateful climb) Derek Hersey, d. 43 fatal injuries per year for 18,000 members [23]. However, objective scientific data to support this perception are questionable. Jun 10, 2018 · Learn the 5 ways that climbers die: lead falls, rockfall, solo climbing, rappelling, and bad weather. A study published in 2012 indicated that about 70% of climbing accidents result from human error. Above 6,000 meters in the Himalayas the pursuit is statistically the most dangerous mountain sport with 10 to 12. The eight-thousanders are the 14 mountains that rise more than 8,000 metres (26,247 ft) above sea level. And yes we are scared of falling. This style of climbing is extremely dangerous, as any fall could result in serious injury or death. Climbing Climbing is hard on the human species. Jul 21, 2009 · In the past decade the popularity of rock climbing has dramatically increased. Nov 5, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. This sport is often cited as the most dangerous compared to others listed, such as skydiving or rock climbing. 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. The home of Climbing on reddit. 1993 — attempting to free solo Sentinel Rock in Yosemite Aug 15, 2022 · There are close to three rock climbing deaths a year in Yosemite National Park, making it one of the most dangerous in the world. Schussmann et al. Dec 2, 2015 · Rock Climbing – The Southeastern Climbing Coalition that approached officials at Signal Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee regarding a reversal of a rock climbing ban in the area cited that climbing injuries are so rare that the activity is actually, from a statistical standpoint, less dangerous than hiking. Nov 22, 2021 · How common are climbing deaths? Epidemiology. 003–0. Everest and Makalu). 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. 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. In comparison, swimming is generally much safer. 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. com Oct 13, 2022 · The latest rock climbing and bouldering statistics regarding accidents, injuries, deaths, demographics, industry size, and popularity How many people died from rock climbing a year? According to the U. 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. 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 Feb 7, 2023 · These destinations saw rates of 9. 20% [13], whereas Ferris et al. The following is a list of mountaineering disasters by death toll. I understand the art you all are doing, and I enjoy watching urban climbing videos so much. He lost his footing on a difficult, overhanging section and fell 40m, Alpin. If you look at the source article for “climbing in the Tetons” it doesn’t differentiate between tourist “mountaineering” and technical climbing, which basically makes it worth jack shit as representative risk data to climbing as a sport. 1. Jun 5, 2025 · Alex Chiu, an engineer and alpine climber, was on one of the most frequently used routes at Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. 5% [7], Bowie et al. Last year 204 accidents resulting in 210 injuries and 22 deaths were reported to Accidents in North American Climbing (ANAC), a Nov 30, 2019 · Climbing has a reputation as a dangerous sport —and rightfully so. Swimming is the safest option with a significantly lower death rate. 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. Aug 1, 2023 · Rock climbing is an inherently dangerous sport, and according to Gitnux, the annual rock climbing fatality rate worldwide is around 30 deaths per year. found a mortality rate of <1% [10], Lack et al. each year. Use basic safety tips and good judgment to stay alive. Explore their dangers, histories, and chilling stories of triumph and tragedy. 6% [14] and Schussmann et al. Scroll down to see the odds and for more data and related content below the infographic. Mortality during hiking, trekking and biking in the mountains was lower compared to that during paragliding, or during rock, ice or high-altitude climbing. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. ABSTRACT The growing popularity of activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding has ensured that the number of visitors to mountain environments continues to increase. While sports like rock climbing and skydiving also have risks, they often involve safety measures that can reduce fatalities. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou May 6, 2025 · Insurance underwriters rely on actuarial data that shows increased death rates among individuals who participate in adventure sports. 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. Since such areas place enormous physical demands on individuals, it is inevitable that deaths will occur. Mountain Rescue Aspen and other agencies responded, but the climber succumbed. Yosemite experienced a rate of only 3. 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. Safety Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park Free solo climbing (or free soloing) is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs on technical terrain 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). This is a list of mountaineers who have died on these mountains. Venturing into the realm of extreme rock climbing tests the human limits. Sheriff’s personnel and county search and rescue volunteers responded to the accident late Sunday morning about 16 miles (26 kilometers) west of Mazama in an area of rock formations that are popular with climbers 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. Nov 30, 2019 · Climbing has a reputation as a dangerous sport —and rightfully so. What percentage of rock climbers die? The fatality rate from rock climbing accidents varies quite significantly: Forrester et al. The fatality rate in rock climbing is estimated at 1 death per 1 million climbers per year. May 1, 2025 · 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. May 13, 2025 · Why It Matters The deaths in Washington's North Cascades National Park highlight the risks climbers face on remote and technical alpine routes, even for the most experienced. Aug 25, 2024 · A 33-year-old climber tragically died after a fall on Williams Peak near Aspen. Dec 27, 2019 · Climbing has become an increasingly popular sport, and the number of accidents is increasing in parallel. 48u0007 u0007 Rocku0007 30,134u0007 2. 1 deaths per million visitors, coming in at number nine on the list. Jan 24, 2024 · How Often Do Rock Climbers Die Per Climb? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. BASE jumping is recognized as a sport with an extremely high death rate, primarily due to limited time for parachute deployment, the need for specialized skills, and challenging environmental conditions. He was 27 years old. djiroxoarggu2vhsftoxolqtksu1jdyxjzhdkmcc7jxog