Rock Climber Falls 30 Feet

Park rangers responded this afternoon to assist an injured rock climber in the Saddle Rock area of Joshua Tree National Park. William Becher, 65, fell 30-feet in a climbing accident and sustained injuries to his lower extremities. Becher, a California resident, was carried by rescue personnel from the base of Saddle Rock to the park road where he was loaded into an ambulance and taken a short distance to the Oyster Bar parking area for medical transport by helicopter to Desert Regional Hospital.

National Park Service rangers were notified of the accident at approximately noon on Friday. Ten members of the park's Joshua Tree Search-and-Rescue (JOSAR) team responded to the incident. Park Ranger Mike Shuman was Incident Commander for the rescue effort. Park rescuers were supported by emergency personnel from San Bernardino County Fire Engine 36, Morongo Basin Ambulance, and a Mercy Air helicopter.

The incident is under investigation by Joshua Tree National Park rangers.