Name Released of Climber Fatality in Zion National Park

Date: March 15, 2016
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811
Contact: Therese Picard, 435-772-7852

Springdale, UT- The name of the climber who died Wednesday, March 9, 2016, after falling in Zion National Park has been released. Eric Michael Klimt, 36, of Portland, Oregon, was climbing a technical route in the park when he fell. The cause of the incident is still under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with the National Park Service.

Klimt had been top rope solo climbing a popular 1,200 foot technical route in Zion Canyon called "Moonlight Buttress," on the west side of the canyon. He had a rope fixed on the upper three pitches when he fell. The cause of his fall is still under investigation. He was witnessed falling at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9 by another climbing party on the route. These climbers notified park rangers who located Klimt's body at the base of the route. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It is estimated that he fell approximately 800-1000 feet.

"Our condolences go out to Eric's friends and family" stated Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh.