Vermont Native killed on Longs Peak CO

[Craig]

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_15927505

Benjamin Russell Hebb loved music, fine teas and cooking — but he loved nothing more than rock climbing.

Hebb died doing just that, after a fall from a ledge on Longs Peak.

Rangers in Rocky Mountain National Park witnessed Hebb's 800-foot fall about 8 a.m. Friday. He was climbing the North Chimney Route from Broadway Ledge to Mills Glacier.

Picture of the North Chimney Route

 

[TEO]

So, do I assume correctly that he fell the length of the entire climb, or close to it?

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

So, do I assume correctly that he fell the length of the entire climb, or close to it?

The North Chimney is a garbage chute approach to Broadway ledge, which is where the great overhanging routes on the Diamond begin. Probably his 800 ft fall included scrambling terrain below the chimney. The ranger's statement about the North Chimney being a route from Broadway to the Mills Glacier is a little confusing, as should be the reverse. Second fatality this season on Longs, and fifth in Colorado, I think. This guy was way too young to be checking out; very sad.

Here is a link to some photos of the route during a spring climb, which is probably a much safer time to use this approach to Broadway ledge.

http://www.mountainproject.com/v/colorado/co_ice__mixed/rmnp__mixedice/106439752