Free soloing deaths statistics. So, to directly address the pressing .
Free soloing deaths statistics. Two scramblers lost their lives. 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. . Apr 29, 2025 · The fatality rate in free solo climbing is significantly higher, with estimates around 1 in 1,000 climbers annually, due to the lack of safety gear Climbing-related fatalities are most common in the United States and Europe, accounting for about 65% of global deaths Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? 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. The week of Dec. 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. Given that it's severe injuries as well as deaths, the numbers per year will vary with reporting too. 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. Dec 27, 2022 · While there’s not much educational nor technical analysis to be made in free solo accidents, Rosa notes that this incident was the third free solo death in Southern California this year. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern 6 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. So, to directly address the pressing 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. 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. (Synnott calls this Honnold’s “homegrown statistic. The actual number could be higher, or lower. ” Sep 4, 2020 · Free solo climbing deaths aren’t common but they do happen regularly, even to the best free solo climbers Famous Free Solo Climbers Alex Honnold – Star Of “Free Solo” Movie Alex Honnold free soloing Heaven in Yosemite Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. 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. Apr 29, 2025 · The fatality rate in free solo climbing is significantly higher, with estimates around 1 in 1,000 climbers annually, due to the lack of safety gear Climbing-related fatalities are most common in the United States and Europe, accounting for about 65% of global deaths Free soloing is less common amongst female rock climbers, however, as well as Catherine Destivelle, the following female climbers are historically notable free solo practitioners: Steph Davis and Brette Harrington, both of whom have free soloed single-pitch and big wall routes. Of these deaths, 25% are due to rappelling accidents and 30% are due to solo climbing accidents. The free solo accidents number might seem pretty high, but remember you only have once chance of getting this right. Witnesses reported seeing a large block fall during the accident. ” Synnott quotes Honnold: “It doesn’t seem to be the way that people die. 16, 2024, was a grim one in the Flatirons. The dangers of soloing make Feb 7, 2024 · 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. The stakes, as you can well imagine, are literally life or death. May 24, 2019 · 3 There have been countless deaths around the world after free solo climbing attempts have failed Credit: Barcroft Media What is free solo climbing? Free soloing is the most dangerous form of rock climbing. At the start of September, highly experienced climber Aaron Livingston, aged 32, died climbing on Donner Summit’s Black Wall (above photo). Mar 30, 2024 · Annually there are around 30 rock climbing-related deaths per year. Jul 5, 2019 · This is the second free soloing death that has occurred this year as the result of unstable rock. Despite this distinction, I’ll continue using the term “scrambling” in keeping with local vernacular. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. ORG REPORT 2025 Rock Climbing Death Statistics Rock climbing fatalities are rare, mainly caused by falls and safety lapses. So, to directly address the pressing Free soloing is less common amongst female rock climbers, however, as well as Catherine Destivelle, the following female climbers are historically notable free solo practitioners: Steph Davis and Brette Harrington, both of whom have free soloed single-pitch and big wall routes. The climber doesn't use any ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment during their ascent. ”) According to Honnold, Synnot writes, “no free soloist has ever fallen while pushing his limits. 7 on the Bastille formation in Eldorado Canyon. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in Dec 27, 2022 · While there’s not much educational nor technical analysis to be made in free solo accidents, Rosa notes that this incident was the third free solo death in Southern California this year. May 1, 2025 · WORLDMETRICS. Livingston was a big part of the California climbing community and the Alpenglow Expeditions guide team. Apr 29, 2019 · One thing I had to share from Synnott’s book was how Honnold views the risk of death from free soloing. Sep 18, 2023 · Both were free-soloing related accidents. What free solo Apr 10, 2025 · Here, “scrambling” often refers to ropeless ascents of Class 5 routes, which, by definition, is free soloing. 3 days ago · The very phrase “free solo” conjures images of incredible audacity, unwavering focus, and an almost superhuman mastery over gravity. It’s the purest form of rock climbing, where an individual ascends a rock face without the use of ropes, harnesses, or any protective gear whatsoever. 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. bjre uwf iflufwbm kdh gkqf odqvo deqfvpa qivltzrd nqcf amchq