Date of Event: 8/12/1992
Canyon involved: Pine Creek
Region: Zion National Park, Utah
Country: USA
Submitted by: Dave Nally
Source: from “Deaths & Rescues in Zion National Park” by Dave Nally
Injury: None
Description of Event: On the afternoon of August 12, 1992, four young men attempted to descend Pine Creek Canyon. They were using a rope purchased from a hardware store and had no other equipment. The group descended the first drop, leaving a portion of their rope behind―presumably by cutting it. At the second drop, three of the group descended to the end of the rope, which did not reach the bottom, and dropped off the end into a pool of water. They were unable to exit the pool. The fourth member realized that his companions were trapped and decided not to descend. He was able to climb up the rope they had left behind and call for rescue. Four rangers and a local climber responded. They rappelled to the trio and assisted them out of the canyon. The rescue operation lasted well after dark, ending at 11:00 p.m.