A 41-year-old woman attempting to climb a frozen waterfall in Utah was killed by falling ice after she likely saved a fellow climber’s life by pushing her out of the way, authorities said.
The 41-year-old reportedly pushed her fellow 21-year-old climber out of the way when “huge blocks of ice” fell down toward them, police said, noting that the climber’s quick response probably saved the young woman’s life.
Although she was able to push her friend to safety, the climber that pushed the 21-year-old was struck by the falling ice and “trapped underneath two huge blocks of ice,” according to the sheriff’s office. Unfortunately, she did not survive the accident, they added.
“Our sincere condolences to all affected by this tragedy, to the family of this brave, courageous woman who lost her life while saving another,” officials said. “We hope that all may find comfort and all the warm support will prevail over your hearts while mourning the loss of your loved one.”
The third climber, a 34-year-old man, was airlifted off the mountain with “serious injuries” after falling approximately 40 feet when the ice column fractured. His condition is unknown at this time.
‘Prolific Climber’
After she was pushed to safety, the uninjured climber managed to safely reach Duchesne City and called for help, police said. Authorities then immediately mobilized a rescue team to search for the two other climbers.“This [uninjured] female was able to climb down the terrain and drive to Duchesne City to contact 911 for help,” officials said.
The names of the injured climbers are being withheld, at this time, “due to respect of the family members,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Duchesne County, located in the northeast part of Utah, offered gratitude for the heroic work of search and rescue officials, volunteer ice climbers, firefighters, and everyone who helped with the rescue operation, saying they “worked such long hours and gave everything they had in the recovery of this 41-year-old female climber.”
