Accident on Monster Tower.

I just heard there was an anchor failure and a fatality. Does anybody have any info?

Larry and all,

My dear friend, Vail rock and ice climber, Vail ski patroller, Brendan Olson fell to his death on Monster Tower. He had climbed the tower with a friend and his daughter. They successfully rapped to the ground but their packs were up on a ledge at the base of the route. Brendan scrambled up there to retrieve them. He then began to rap back down, the anchor blew and he fell to the ground.

I am at loss of words……..

Condolences to those affected and involved.

Anyone have anymore details as to what type anchor, etc.?

I climbed that route 2 yrs ago and the fixed hardware was atrocious...

Oh man. Sorry for your loss Mia. It is always sad to lose a member of our community.

Really sad to hear this. Condolences..

Was the anchor for the fixed rope what blew?

All I can say is wow... I climbed this route and probably rappelled from this same anchor
4 weeks ago. I'm assuming it was the fixed line right on the saddle? It looked in 'decent' shape when we used it.

Any details if it was due to rock failure?

Unrelated, but I recently received word that the lone pro bolt protecting the last pitch's free variation has been replaced. Can any of you folks who have been up there recently confirm?

I'm assuming that whatever failed was either the tat on the first pitch anchor (the hardware seemed decent enough) or whatever the fixed hand line was anchored to.

Josh- yes, that bolt was replaced in April by a friend of mine.

She wasn't a friend, she was his long time girlfriend. She worked on him for 20+ minutes with his daughter watching. It took 4+ hours for search and rescue to arrive. It was extremely traumatic for both his gf and his daughter. Pre-existing pro failed, he fell 10ft past daughter, I believe around 30ft total. It took about 3 minutes for gf to downclimb to him. He died of chest trauma, nothing for anyone to do. Bled out in <minute.

Condolences to all family and friends, celebrating a brothers' life!

Very tragic. Our prayers and condolences.

Princess Mia wrote:Larry and all, My dear friend, Vail rock and ice climber, Vail ski patroller, Brendan Olson fell to his death on Monster Tower. He had climbed the tower with a friend and his daughter. They successfully rapped to the ground but their packs were up on a ledge at the base of the route. Brendan scrambled up there to retrieve them. He then began to rap back down, the anchor blew and he fell to the ground. I am at loss of words……..

My condolences to those who knew him.

If any moab locals want ASCA gear for the revolt send me a PM. If greg cab get it to you faster than I can go with him. However, I am happy to send wave bolts your way.