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alan_ellis
Sep 8, 2004, 12:48 AM
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Registered: Dec 3, 2003
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Associated Press -
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. -- An experienced climber died on Grand Teton National Park's 11,618-foot Disappointment Peak when his rappel anchor failed and he fell 50 feet, officials said Tuesday.
Frank Olding, 40, of Seattle, died Monday of traumatic injuries, the National Park Service said.
Olding was part of a three-person climbing party that began an ascent of the peak's East Ridge early Monday morning, park spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs said.
After reaching the top of the fourth pitch, Olding apparently decided to abandon going further, because he felt the next section was beyond the skill levels of his partners -- Adam Heiner, 29, and Eric Newman, 30, also of Seattle.
As Olding began to rappel back down the fourth pitch, his anchor failed and he fell, Skaggs said.
Heiner was able to reach Olding, then rappelled alone further down the mountain until he found a hiker with a cell phone and called for help at about 3 p.m., Skaggs said.
Newman remained stranded at the original anchor site because Heiner needed all their climbing gear to get back down quickly.
A helicopter flew seven park rangers and rescue equipment to the scene at 4 p.m. However, Olding had died by the time rangers reached him.
Two other rangers used a rope and pulley system to raise Newman about 100 feet to a safe area where the helicopter could land.
All three climbers were lifted off the peak before dark.
Heiner told rangers that Olding was an avid and experienced climber, and all three were wearing helmets.
Skaggs said rangers were assessing why the rappel anchor failed.
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jumpingrock
Sep 8, 2004, 12:52 AM
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Registered: Dec 16, 2002
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This is a tragedy. My thoughts are with his friends and family.
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reno
Sep 8, 2004, 12:54 AM
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Registered: Oct 30, 2001
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:cry:
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