Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Stewart Phillip Porter, a 21-year-old resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, tragically passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, following a fatal climbing accident at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
The accident occurred while Porter was climbing the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo, a challenging route at the iconic monument.
According to the National Park Service, he fell and sustained severe injuries during the climb.
Despite the swift response of first responders, Porter was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident was reported around 8:00 p.m., and emergency personnel reached Porter and his climbing partner approximately forty minutes later.
His climbing companion was successfully rescued with the assistance of Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buck Wild Climbing Guides during a coordinated rescue operation.
Porter’s death marks the seventh fatality at Devils Tower National Monument since it opened more than a century ago.
He was a beloved son and brother, whose loss has deeply affected his family and community.
Funeral arrangements and an obituary will be released by his family at a later date.