Recall error blamed on man’s fatal fall in Death Valley – San Bernardino Sun

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A man has been found dead from an apparent abseiling accident in Death Valley after a package in an abandoned tent sent rangers looking for him.

The 54-year-old, whose name has not been released, was found dead in Mosaic Canyon on Dec. 3, a news release this week from the national park said. The fatal fall is believed to have occurred at least a few days earlier.

The search for the man was sparked by a report from campground hosts that a tent had been left at a campsite after it was booked and no one had been seen at the site. Park rangers first left a note, then returned a day later to pack up the abandoned property. They found climbing gear and a package with a name and address.

The rangers then returned to the Mosaic Canyon trailhead near Stovepipe Wells, where they had seen a vehicle a few days earlier. It was still there and the license records showed it was registered to the man whose name was on the packaging.

The search involved multiple agencies on the ground and in helicopters. The body was found near the West Fork canyoning route, about 800 feet above the canyon floor.

Evidence indicated that the man’s rope was too short for the abseil segment he was on and that he had attached a length of webbing to the end so he could descend to the ground. He would have made a mistake by disconnecting his abseil device to pass the knot. While unattached to the rope by his harness, he fell approximately 30 feet.

Canyoning consists of descending canyons by combining hiking, descent and abseiling.

Park spokeswoman Abby Wines said the park recommends canyoners have a partner or at least let someone know where they are going and when they plan to return. This man was not reported late and the search did not begin in time to save his life, she said. A satellite communication device could also have been a lifesaver.

This is the sixth death reported in the park this year.

David Kelleher, 67, of Huntington Beach, was found dead on June 14. He had apparently attempted to walk the 5 miles from Zabriskie Point to Furnace Creek after his car ran out of gas on a day when the temperature was over 120 degrees.

John McCarry, 69, of Long Beach, was found dead June 1 about a quarter mile from his car in the Panamint Valley. He had been reported missing by members of his family.

Three people died in collisions involving a solo vehicle on January 8, February 8 and February 10.

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