Climber Dies in Fall at Zion National Park
A California man died on Sunday while climbing the Iron Messiah (5.10) in Zion National Park.
Unlock this article and more benefits with 40% off.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
40% Off Outside+.
$4.99/month $2.99/month*
Get the one subscription to fuel all your adventures.
- Map your next adventure with our premium GPS apps: Gaia GPS Premium and Trailforks Pro.
- Read unlimited digital content from 15+ brands, including Outside Magazine, Triathlete, Ski, Trail Runner, and VeloNews.
- Watch 600+ hours of endurance challenges, cycling and skiing action, and travel documentaries.
- Learn from the pros with expert-led online courses.
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
A San Jose, California, climber has died while attempting the 10-pitch Iron Messiah (5.10) in Zion National Park on Sunday, according to the National Park Service.
Christopher H. Spencer and a climbing partner were on an easy fifth-class section of the approach when Spencer fell and tumbled 80 feet. In an almost three-hour rescue effort, he was airlifted to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. He died there Sunday afternoon.
The National Park Service reported that Spencer was not roped-up or wearing a helmet when he fell.
Spencer’s death marks the fourth deadly incident this year in Zion National Park. Fresh on the climbing community’s mind is the death of the Yosemite climber and BASE-jumper Sean “Stanley” Leary, who was killed while attempting a jump off the West Temple formation in March.