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.
According to the National Park Service, Porter was climbing the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo when he fell and sustained severe injuries.
Despite the immediate efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident was reported at approximately 8:00 p.m., and authorities reached Porter and his climbing partner about forty minutes later.
His climbing companion was successfully rescued with the assistance of the Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buck Wild Climbing Guides during a coordinated operation.
Porter’s death marks the seventh fatality at Devils Tower National Monument since it opened more than a century ago.
Stewart Porter was a beloved son and brother, and his loss has deeply affected his community.
Funeral arrangements and an obituary will be released by his family at a later date.