Dynamite Shack Ice Climber Severely Injured in100’ Vertical Plunge

A male ice climber in his 50s was critically injured Saturday afternoon, January 24, after falling approximately 100’ at the Dynamite Shack portion of ice climbing wall on Henson Creek.
The injured man, who has been identified as Vratislav, a resident of Canada, was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction by CareFlight of the Rockies helicopter ambulance with injuries which are described as traumatic, complex and life-threatening.
As an indication of the severity of the man’s injuries, responders to the scene following the 3:21 p.m. emergency page were Hinsdale County Emergency Medical Service — EMT Danny Oge, EMT student and driver Lorie Stewart, EMT Katherine Heidt, AEMT Dan Humphreys, and EMT Sarah Moody, together with support from Gunnison Valley Paramedics who were called in based on critical care mutual aid. Also responding to the scene were Lake City firefighters with Lake City Fire/Rescue, Hinsdale County Search and Rescue, and Hinsdale County Sheriff Denim Starnes.
Among those first on the scene at the base of the ice wall and after crossing open-flowing Henson Creek were Sheriff Starnes and Fire Chief Justin Thompson, the latter joined within moments by Chief Engineer R.E. Hall and firefighters Evan Milski, Mike Ralph, Nathan Wuest, and Matt Jones.
From his perspective, Fire Chief Thompson was highly complimentary of the entire medical and emergency crew which assembled at the scene, adding that he was also impressed with members of the ice climbing community who immediately “showed up big time, ready and willing to help.”
According to bystanders at the scene, the Dynamite Shack portion of the ice climbing wall where the man fell approximately 30 meters/100 feet vertical ice with a tree on the upper portion which was used as a belay anchor by the man’s partner.
The injured man was not attached to the tree, however, and — according to a Reddit post by a fellow climber who was at the scene — was using a single strand of 75 meter climbing rope.
Typically when descending, an ice climber ties hand knots to both ends of the rope and, at the half-way point in the rope, attaches an anchor or quick link, both the upper and lower ends of the rope then passing through an ATC — otherwise referred to as a belay/rappeling device — for the downward descent.
Although probable cause of the climber’s fall remains unknown, one possibility is that only a single strand was attached to ATC, an observer at the scene noting that after the fall, the knot at the tail of the climber’s rope was wedged in the quick link upper anchor.
Regardless of the cause, the man’s serious

injury is being described as a tragic accident.
According to an observer at the scene who later posted on Reddit, “I just wanted to remind everyone, please do all you can to be safe out there.”
Saturday was an extremely busy day for Hinsdale EMS with a second, non-ice-climbing-related incident which was received at 3:36 p.m.
EMT and student/driver Melody Crump, and EMT driver Kyle Harrison were dispatched to a residence in response to a female who was injured while ice skating.
The injured party was subsequently transported to Gunnison Valley Hospital

Late Tuesday, SILVER WORLD learned that a gofundme account entitled “Help Bring Vratislav Home for Ongoing Medical Care” has been established with $67,401 raised by 434 donors as of Thursday morning toward a goal of $250,000.
According to the gofundme site, “Vratislav is a passionate skier, climber and traveler who has dedicated his life to adventure, nature, and living with a purpose..”
“Together with his wife, he worked hard to turn their dreams into reality – choosing experience over possessions and setting out on what was meant to be their dream journey. During their ice climbing trip to Colorado, USA, he suffered a devastating accident that abruptly changed everything.
Vratislav fell approximately 40 meters from an ice wall. He survived the fall and was airlifted to hospital in Grand Junction, where he was stabilized and has already undergone multiple surgeries, with more to come. Hopefully his future care can be completed in Canada.
Fortunately, the doctors confirmed there was no severe traumatic brain injury and at this time his vital signs are stable. His injuries are extensive, as he sustained multiple facial fractures, a shattered femur with knee involvement, a shattered heel, a fractured and dislocated shoulder.
As a result of his injuries, there will doubtless be more surgeries necessary.
He is currently in ICU in Colorado and will be facing a long and challenging road ahead. The immediate goal is to bring Vratislav back home to Canada where he can continue treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, the only option is an emergency medical transport.
Funds will be raised to cover the cost of transport from Colorado to Canada. All additional funds will go towards medical expenses incurred in the United States, ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and recovery.
This accident happened suddenly and without warning. Bringing Vratislav home is the most important next step in giving him the best possible chance at recovery…. thank you for reading and your support. If you’re able to help — by donating, sharing, or simply keeping them in your thoughts — it truly means a lot.”