Hiker meets fatal end as massive rockslide cascades down Utah mountain, plummeting him 700 feet
On July 19, 2023, a hiker named David Mull met a tragic end in a rockslide on Utah's Sawatch Range. The incident occurred on The Pfeifferhorn, an 11,326ft peak in the Lone Peak Wilderness Area.
Officials from Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office received a report of the rockslide at around 8:45am. Upon arrival, they found David Mull unresponsive. A doctor who was hiking in the area attempted to perform life-saving measures, but David Mull was pronounced dead at the scene.
The rockslide sent David Mull approximately 700ft down the mountain. The incident occurred exactly one month after a massive rockslide killed two hikers and injured three in Canada's Jasper National Park. Fortunately, no other hikers were seriously injured in the Utah rockslide.
Sadly, David Mull was hiking alone when the rockslide took place. It is a reminder of the importance of hiking in groups and being aware of one's surroundings.
Key Practices to Prevent Rockslides During Hiking
To prevent such tragedies, hikers must prioritize key practices:
- Avoid hiking in areas prone to rockslides, such as bases of steep cliffs, narrow canyons, and waterfalls where falling rocks are common.
- Monitor weather conditions closely, especially after heavy rains, since saturated ground can trigger landslides and rockslides.
- Observe and recognize warning signs of an imminent rockslide while on the trail: rumbling sounds that grow louder, shaking ground, sounds of cracking wood or falling rocks, sudden changes in stream flow or clarity, and visible dust clouds indicate danger.
- Heed posted warnings and trail closures in areas recently affected by landslides or known instability; avoid such routes until official reopening or clearance.
- Inform others about your hike plans, including route and expected return time, and check with ranger stations or visitor centers for current trail conditions and hazards before setting out.
- When confronted with a rockslide, do not try to outrun debris moving downhill; instead, move laterally (right or left) out of its path. If unavoidable, curl into a ball covering your head and neck rather than hiding behind large rocks or trees that can break.
Additional Safety Tips
Other safety tips include wearing sturdy footwear with good traction to navigate slippery, muddy, or loose-rock trail sections, and avoiding crossing flooded or rapidly changing streams, as these conditions often accompany unstable slopes.
Staying on the trail and making use of switchbacks can also help reduce the risk of rockslides. For more information on rockslides, please refer to our article on the subject.
In the case of the Utah rockslide, it serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk in seemingly idyllic hiking spots. By following these safety practices, hikers can minimise the risks and enjoy their adventures to the fullest.
- Unfortunately, accidents like the one that happened to David Mull can happen in general news, such as car accidents, fires, and even sports-related incidents.
- To prevent such tragedies in the future, it's crucial for hikers to be vigilant and follow safety practices, like avoiding areas prone to rockslides, monitoring weather conditions, and learning to recognize warning signs.
