Date of Event: 8/24/2017
Canyon involved: Abysmal
Region: Death Valley, California
Country: United States
Submitted by: Danielle Monroy
Source of Information: www.ropewiki.com
Injuries incurred: Abrasion or Laceration
Possible causes: Rock fall.
Description of Event: Person on rappel asked for a belay. Canyoneer giving the belay was positioned directly under the line of rappel, and was struck by rocks purportedly kicked loose by the person on rappel. The laceration exposed bone. The injured person was able to apply first aid and complete the remaining 20 rappels, with her team lowering her down 17 of them.
Analysis: The individual doing the bottom belay needs to be in a position that avoids rock fall.