Rock climber in California plunges 200 feet to her death

Authorities say the two were experienced hikers and had appropriate gear.

The two climbers were very experienced, he said. The was the fifth waterfall from which they had repelled in the isolated part of Orange County.

“Using two, 200-foot ropes, we used Joy’s Imlay Canyon Fire rope, pulled about ten feet of a tail and used a figure 8 block.”

Casey did not put a twist in the figure 8 block, nor did they secure the small hole of the 8 with a carabiner.

“I slid the quick link away from the edge, pulled away from the webbing with all my weight against the figure 8 block and it was secure. Looking back at Joy, we both agreed and I threw the bag over. When Joy transitioned on Rappel, I watched and talked with her for the first 15-20 feet of her decent until I could not see her. I then walked away to grab my 200 ft rope to attach to the tail as a pull.”

Casey explained his rope was near his pack which was 20 feet away from anchor. Note that the anchor is a large boulder knuckle of granite set on the edge of a 160 – foot waterfall. It is wrapped with two strands of 1 inch tubular webbing (not bolts).

“She was on Rappel for at least a minute or 2. At which point, I heard a clink and looked over and saw the rest of her rope go over the edge and heard her hit. My guess was that while shifting on the face of the falls, the 8 may have been caught on part of the rock, somehow releasing the 8. I have used this block technique and never seen it fail. I yelled for her, no response. I looked over the edge and could not see her. I checked to see if I had service, although it was slight I was able to call 911 knowing I would not have any service at the bottom of the falls. I spoke with dispatch and was able to quickly describe my position in relative to the mountain range and my coordinates, then lost signal.”