Wisconsin rock climber dies after fall inside Devils Tower National Monument

A rock climber died Sunday while climbing the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, according to National Park Service officials.

The 21-year-old climber, Stewart Phillip Porter from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was reportedly climbing the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo when he fell. He sustained major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders, according to a National Park Service statement.

Devils Tower Law Enforcement was informed of the fall at around 8 p.m. on Sunday and found Porter and his climbing partner around 40 minutes after initial reports.

Their climbing partner was stranded at the scene, but was later rescued by officials with the help of the Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buck Wild Climbing Guides. The Devils Tower National Monument says that there have only been seven climbing deaths at the national monument since its opening more than 100 years ago.

A rare occurrence at the national monument

“While climbing fatalities at Devils Tower are infrequent, it is still inherently dangerous,” officials said in the statement. 

The national monument also shared tips for climbers to stay safe:

• The majority of climbing accidents and deaths on the Tower occur during the rappel. The National Park Service does not maintain anchors, so 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.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.