A tragic incident occurred at Devils Tower in Wyoming, where a climber fell to his death while rappelling down the geological formation, leaving his partner stranded without a rope. The stranded climber was eventually rescued unharmed after calling out for help. The climber who fell, identified as Stewart Phillip Porter, a 21-year-old from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, sadly lost his life in the accident. This marks the seventh climbing fatality in the 118-year history of the park, where approximately 6,000 people climb the formation annually.

The climbers were descending a relatively easy route known as El Cracko Diablo after reaching the summit of Devils Tower when the fatal fall occurred. It is still unclear how the fall took place, and investigations into the accident are ongoing, as confirmed by Devils Tower National Monument Superintendent Doug Crossen.

Devils Tower, known for its imposing presence with sheer sides rising almost 870 feet above the surrounding landscape and standing a mile above sea level, is renowned for its columnar jointing – fused pillars of igneous rock that took shape from underground magma. Established as the first national monument in 1906, Devils Tower has been a popular destination for climbers and tourists alike.

Moreover, the geological formation holds cultural significance and has even made its mark in popular culture, notably appearing in the 1977 film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The towering structure continues to attract visitors from around the world, offering a unique and challenging climbing experience. Despite the recent tragedy, the park remains a site of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels.