Boulder climber survives 100-foot fall

By Jerd Smith, Rocky Mountain News

Published May 4, 2008 at 8:40 p.m.
Updated May 4, 2008 at 8:40 p.m.

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A 45-year-old man fell 100 feet Sunday afternoon in Eldorado Canyon State Park.

The climber, identified as Lon Abbott of Boulder, was alert when emergency response officials air lifted him to Denver Health Medical Center.

According to police, Abbott was climbing with a partner, Avery McGill when the accident occurred.

McGill, 25 of Boulder, said Abbott was climbing about 75 feet above a ledge where McGill was belaying him when Abbott fell off the Recon Wall. The ledge was about 25 feet off the ground.

McGill said first thought rock was coming down and took shelter underneath an outcropping. When he realized Abbott was falling, he tried to grab the rope but couldn't hold on to it.

Abbott appeared to be suffering from head and shoulder injuries and a suspected leg fracture, officials said.

smithj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5474

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