Todd Skinner Climbing Accident

Free-climbing pioneer Todd Skinner, 47, was killed October 23, while descending fixed ropes on the Leaning Tower in Yosemite. Details of the accident are incomplete, but it appears that he and his partner Jim Hewitt were working on a free route on the 1,200-foot monolith. Skinner and his partner, Jim Hewitt, were rappelling the route Jesus Built My Hot Rod, and were several hundred feet above the base when the accident occurred. Apparently, Skinner went first, and suddenly fell; his rappel device and locking carabiner remained on the rope.

Skinner, with some 300 ascents, mostly all-free, in 26 countries, was arguably the most accomplished rock climber of the generation that marked the birth of sport climbing.

He also help put Hueco Tanks on the map with his numerous hard free ascents.

Today, he is heralded as a pioneer for showing climbers worldwide the free potential of big walls, and how strength and determination can overcome adversity.

Skinner, of Lander, Wyoming, is survived by his wife Amy, son Jake, and daughters Hannah and Sarah.

A fund has been established for Amy, Hannah, Jake and Sarah:

Skinner Memorial FundAtlantic City Federal Credit Union704 West Main StreetLander, WY 82520