Update on Climbing Rescue

A 37 year-old climber fell yesterday afternoon at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, while ascending the Escape Artist route on the North Rim wall. Nearby climbers witnessed the fall and were able to reach the climber who fell approximately 60 feet. The unidentified climber's protection held him on the wall until other climbers were able to lower him to the base of the climb. National Park Rangers were notified at 5 pm and a rescue team was assembled. A Montrose County Fire Department paramedic reached the patient at approximately 10 pm. The climber has suffered possible pelvic and femur fractures and is in stable condition. The team reached the victim overnight and has lowered him over 600 feet of scree material to the Gunnison River at the bottom of the canyon. A helicopter evacuation is in progress.