On Saturday, October 14, at Cherokee Rock Village in northeastern Alabama, a college student from the University of Georgia met with a fatal rock-climbing accident.
The young climber experienced a fall of 90 feet in an area known for its challenging terrain.
The student was identified as 18-year-old Yutong “Faye” Zhang, a freshman who originally hailed from Minnesota.
Emergency responders faced challenges during the recovery process due to the rugged environment, undertaking a “lengthy and difficult recovery” to reach her.
Zhang was climbing a popular route called “Misty” in Sand Rock when she had the accident. She was climbing with friends from her university climbing club during the incident
Despite its allure for rock climbing enthusiasts, such incidents are a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with the sport.
The University of Georgia released a statement from spokesman Greg Trevor which read, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Faye Zhang, a first-year student at the University of Georgia. Our deepest sympathies go out to the student’s family, and we will continue to provide counseling and support to our community members affected by this event.”
The Athens-based group Active Climbing, where Zhang was a member, also paid tribute to her on Instagram.