A 21-year-old climber from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, tragically lost his life after falling while rappelling at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Stewart Philip Porter was descending the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo, a popular climbing route, when the accident occurred on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The fall was reported shortly before 8 p.m., and despite the rapid response of emergency services, Porter sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed the details in a public statement, noting that Porter’s partner had been left stranded after the fall but was later rescued by professional guides from Devils Tower Lodge and Buck Wild. “During Porter’s fall, he sustained major injuries,” the NPS confirmed. The exact height from which Porter fell is still under investigation, although authorities have emphasized the inherent risks involved in rappelling at such heights. (Partly verbatim)
Devils Tower is a renowned climbing destination, famous not only for its geological significance but also for its role in popular culture, having been featured in the 1977 film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The monument rises nearly 900 feet from base to summit and is known for its distinctive vertical cracks, which make it one of the premier crack climbing locations in North America. The site draws climbers of all experience levels, but as this incident highlights, the sport carries significant risks.
The El Cracko Diablo route is rated at a difficulty level of 5.7, which is considered moderate by climbing standards. However, even experienced climbers face challenges, particularly during rappelling, a phase of the climb that requires technical precision. According to the NPS, “While climbing fatalities at Devils Tower are infrequent, it is still inherently dangerous.” (Verbatim) Many accidents occur during the rappel, when climbers use ropes to control their descent, and even minor errors can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Porter’s death marks the seventh climbing fatality at Devils Tower since it became a national monument in 1906. While fatalities are rare, the NPS stresses that climbers should always be fully prepared and aware of the dangers. Most incidents occur during descent, underscoring the importance of proper equipment, training, and safety protocols. Helmets are strongly recommended, and climbers are advised to remain vigilant for hazards such as loose rocks or wildlife. The NPS has also issued guidelines for climbers, urging them to remain calm in emergencies and to call 911 or signal for help if needed. “Assistance from local resources and monument staff may be available,” the NPS said, though they warned that rescues in such remote areas can often be delayed.
The incident has raised concerns within the climbing community about the risks involved in rappelling and the need for better safety education. Rappelling is one of the most technical aspects of rock climbing, requiring careful attention to detail and precise execution. Even climbers who are skilled in ascending can find themselves in dangerous situations during the descent. This is particularly true at sites like Devils Tower, where the geological features can add to the complexity of the rappel.
In addition to its climbing appeal, Devils Tower holds cultural and environmental significance. Known as “Bear Lodge” in the Lakota language, the monument is sacred to several Native American tribes, who conduct ceremonies there throughout the year. In recognition of this cultural importance, as well as to protect the local wildlife, the NPS restricts climbing at certain times of the year. Climbing is prohibited during parts of the spring and summer to protect nesting falcons, and the NPS encourages visitors to be respectful of the monument’s cultural significance when planning their trips.
The climbing community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Porter, with many reflecting on the inherent dangers of the sport and the need for greater awareness of safety practices. While Devils Tower is a popular destination for climbers, it is also one of the more challenging sites in the United States, particularly for those attempting its more difficult routes. The El Cracko Diablo climb, though rated as moderate, presents a number of physical and technical challenges that require a high level of preparation and skill. Climbers are advised to thoroughly assess their capabilities before attempting such routes and to ensure they have the proper equipment and training to handle the difficulties they may encounter.
As investigations into the exact circumstances of Porter’s fall continue, the NPS has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all visitors to Devils Tower. The agency has worked closely with local authorities, including the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Hulett EMS, in response to the accident, and it has expressed gratitude to all those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. “We appreciate all who assisted in the rescue operation,” the NPS said in a statement, adding that their thoughts are with Porter’s family during this difficult time. (Not verbatim?)
For those planning to visit Devils Tower, the NPS advises caution and preparedness. Climbing is a rewarding but risky activity, and it is crucial for climbers to respect the potential dangers that come with it. Whether tackling a moderate route like El Cracko Diablo or a more advanced climb, the risks are real, and climbers must take every precaution to ensure their safety. As the tragic death of Stewart Philip Porter shows, even a seemingly routine rappel can turn deadly in an instant, making it even more important for climbers to always be fully prepared and aware of the risks.