Volunteer firefighter dies in fall from Index Town Wall

Published 11:30 am Saturday, October 28, 2023

INDEX — An Index volunteer firefighter died Friday evening after falling approximately 100 feet while rappelling at Index Town Wall, according to Sky Valley Fire.

Around 6 p.m. Friday, crews responded to a call at Upper Town Wall, a popular site for rock climbing. Sky Valley Fire Chief Eric Andrews said another climber made the call after seeing the victim fall.

Andrews said the victim had a pulse but was unconscious and appeared to have severe injuries when medics arrived. Despite attempts to stabilize him, he died on the scene.

It’s not clear what caused the accident, Andrews said. Upper Town Wall is an advanced route typically only attempted by highly experienced climbers, he said, and the department responds to two or three rescue calls there each year. The location of the accident takes about two hours to reach on foot, Andrews said.

The deceased was an Index resident and a volunteer firefighter with Sky Valley Fire, Andrews said. His name has not been released, pending notification of family members.

Riley Haun: 425-339-3192; riley.haun@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @RHaunID.