Tragic Climbing Accident at Tahquitz Rock, California
On May 17, 21-year-old Lucas Dunn fell 300 feet and died while rappelling on the west face of Tahquitz Rock, California. Dunn was retreating from the top of The Bat Crack (5.11a)--the first of four pitches on The Vampire (5.11a).
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
On May 17, 21-year-old Lucas Dunn fell 300 feet and died while rappelling on the west face of Tahquitz Rock, California. Dunn was retreating from the top of The Bat Crack (5.11a)–the first of four pitches on The Vampire (5.11a). According to Dunn’s partner Greg Davis, the fatal accident likely occurred due to rock fall encountered during the rappel. “I heard a crash, and turned to see Lucas coming down the slab with a few giant rocks, possibly the loose one I noted, and the rope,” wrote Davis on Supertopo.com “Once he passed the slab and rolled off the FBT ledge system, I knew he was unconscious.”
Davis was given a rope by two nearby climbers and was able to rappel the remaining 175 feet to reach Dunn, while the other climbers called in the accident. Upon arrival, Davis noted that Dunn was still alive, but unconscious. Despite being administered CPR, Dunn never regained consciousness. He was airlifted from Tahquitz in a helicopter. Davis wrote on Supertopo.com, “For those that didn’t know him, he was 21 years old, 6 feet tall, bright, and one HELL of a climber.”
To read Davis’ full account of the accident, click here.