Editor’s Note: Grand Teton National Park confirmed that Duree was rope climbing at the time of the accident.
Grand Teton National Park Press Release
MOOSE, Wyo. — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) announced that a climber died on Thursday after falling from the Owen Chimney pitch on the Owen-Spalding route of the Grand Teton.
Rangers arrived to the scene to find that Braydan Duree of Kuna, Idaho, had already died from significant injuries from the fall, estimated to have been a 40 to 50-foot drop.
Duree’s body was short-hauled away before the Teton County Coroner’s Office took over. Short-hauling involves a helicopter suspending a person or item from a 150 to 250-foot rope. GTNP says this technique is often used in the range to allow rescuers better access where conditions for landing a helicopter are too steep or rocky.
His two climbing companions were flown to the Jenny Lake Search and Rescue Cache at Lupine Meadows.
“Grand Teton National Park employees extend their condolences to Braydan Duree’s family and friends,” a press release from the Park said.
