Woman dies in climbing accident horror
A VETERAN climber from Yelverton has died in an accident on Dartmoor while teaching a beginner.
The 59-year-old woman, understood to be an experienced climber, was tackling the popular Dewerstone Rock near Shaugh Prior when she fell at around 12.20pm yesterday.
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Her body was later recovered by the emergency services, including police and fire crews from Yelverton, Plympton and a special rescue team from Camel’s Head fire station.
Attempts by paramedics to resuscitate her failed, and she was declared dead at the scene.
Police said they would be examining her climbing equipment, but added the death was not thought to be suspicious.
The woman was with a younger female novice climber, who was not hurt.
The victim has not yet been named by Devon and Cornwall police.
Inspector Bob Hefford said last night that the woman’s husband was driving home and had not been informed of the tragedy.
The Dewerstone is situated on land owned by the National Trust, and is a striking landmark towering high above the River Plym.
It is visited by climbers from all over the country, and offers a variety of routes of varying degrees of difficulty.
Andy Holborn, a professional climbing instructor from Ivybridge, has been climbing on the Dewerstone since 1975.
He said: “Generally it’s a very safe place. There have been fatalities but very few. I think this is the fifth fatality in 70 years of climbing there.
“There are a range of climbs you can do from relatively easy to harder climbs, and there are a number of different routes.”
The Dewerstone – a collection of rocky outcrops including three columns called The Devil’s Rocks – has been the scene of several fatal falls and serious injuries in recent years:
In April, two local climbers roped together plunged 50ft on to a ledge after one fell, pulling his friend off the cliff face. They suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to hospital by helicopter.
In February 2006, a woman in her 20s suffered pelvic and spinal injuries when she fell 20 feet and had to be airlifted to safety.
In March and June 2003, two climbers died in falls from the Dewerstone – one while climbing alone and without ropes.
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by Dennis, Somerset
Wednesday, October 01 2008, 7:51AM
“A top rope isn't a bad idea. I speak as the father of the boy who died in 2003- not the free climber.I wish that he had not come to believe that the best fun in climbing comes from risking your neck.It's a hugely dangerous sport, and one that people seem to learn from books, trial and error, and watching others more than from competent instruction. I do not know what route the poor woman was on, but my son was, according to the expert witness at the inquest, on a route which was technically within his limits but which the guide book did not reveal, was almost impossible to protect.
But please, no acid comments about me not knowing what I am talking about. It still hurts more than you can ever imagine .”
by Lucy Sydenham, Tavistock
Monday, September 29 2008, 6:32PM
“R.I.P. This woman was a great teacher as well as a lovely woman, its so sad to know how she was telling me and my friends that she was going climbing over the weekend. Its so hard to believe because atleast she died doing something she loved. She will never be forgotten.”
by Earl, Plymouth
Monday, September 29 2008, 1:26PM
“this is very sad and condolences to the family. Unusual though that the view seems to be that accidents happen, despite the best of preparation and training, that people should continue their hobby, doing something they love etc. if this was a motorcycle death then people would be quick to condemn the rider, the road, the weather and anything else regardless of finding out the facts. what's the difference? just an observation.”
by The Enforcer, Out & About
Monday, September 29 2008, 11:55AM
“59, what's wrong with knitting?”
by Nicholas J Hughes, Plymouth
Monday, September 29 2008, 11:32AM
“D, why don't you refrain from making comments on things you know nothing about?
You're talking about top-roping, which is the safest form of climbing, but climbers prepare for higher climbs, big walls and mountains where a top rope isn't achievable. This is where lead climbing comes into play and Alpine style climbing.
I suspect that the climber at the Dewerstone was lead climbing, and either her gear placements weren't adequate, or some other oversight occurred.
Other climbers; you know this happens, it's a good opportunity to reassess your safety and get back out on the crag. If you feel that you may make mistakes, then probably best to find another hobby.
Condolences to the family, no amount of reasoning can make sense of it.”
by leanne, plymouth
Monday, September 29 2008, 11:15AM
“such a sad case. at leat she died doing something she loved.my thoughts are with the womans family.”
by D, Plymouth
Monday, September 29 2008, 10:25AM
“Why not walk to the top and put a safety rope down before you climb”
by david, efford
Monday, September 29 2008, 8:16AM
“oops ... should read george band ... to much plonk on my night off.”
by david, efford
Sunday, September 28 2008, 9:05PM
“I am 55 and its put me off big time ! I climbed Mont Blanc with Goerge
Bland ( one of Hilarys crew in 53 ) 15 years ago ... but I know my limits .”
by nigel, tavistock
Sunday, September 28 2008, 7:41PM
“Molly, you are so right.”