Columbia Hills State Park Climbing Accident

A climbing accident at Columbia Hills State Park in Washington is currently under investigation by local authorities. The accident happened on the basalt columns at Horsethief Butte on Sunday. Gresham, Oregon police detective Tony Silva was killed and his sister-in-law was airlifted, in what is currently being attributed to a 35 foot fall. The details of this accident are still quite sketchy. Some have alluded that this was a rappelling accident, but witnesses have stated that the two were not roped up at the time of the accident.

The Mazamas, a 105-year-old mountaineering club, was in the area giving a beginner’s climbing class when the accident occurred. The club heard the screams, seen the two laying at the bottom of the rock, and immediately called 911 and began to administer first aid to the fallen climbers until authorities arrived. You can read the complete article in The Seattle Times.

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