Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Inc.
Rope Failure Investigation
Eldorado Canyon State Park, Boulder, Colorado

On June 22, 2010, Joe Miller fell to his death while attempting to climb the second pitch of the Yellow Spur route in Eldorado Canyon State Park. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Inc. (RMRG) conducted the evacuation and investigated the incident. As part of RMRG’s continuing goal of providing education through careful analysis of climbing and mountaineering accidents, we have published our findings from this study. A brief summary can be found at www.rockymountainrescue.org/osYellowSpurRopeFailure.php, and a link to the full report can be found on that page.
Following the accident, rumors of a cut or broken rope generated significant interest among fellow climbers. RMRG appreciates the patience and understanding of those involved and of the greater climbing community while we worked on this report.


With condolences to Joe’s family and friends,

Jeff Sparhawk
Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Inc.

Jeff, and all the RMRG crew, thanks for all the hard work that went into this investigation. I just finished reading the entirety of it and am really glad you took your time with the analysis and the thoroughness of the investigation as whole. Thx.

Very interesting, thanks.

RMRG,
Great job on the report. Very informative and complete, hopefully will help others to recognize similar hazards.


Also, condolences to Joe Miller's friends and family.

Thanks for all the work that went into this.