June 5, 2021 Fall and Death in Mystery Canyon, Zion.

This past Saturday, our beloved friend Cassy Brown took a lengthy fall in Mystery Canyon, and died from her injuries a few hours later. Cassy was one of the most capable canyoneers I know; she was doing a solo descent of an easy canyon. Near the end, she apparently got her rope stuck on a rappel, and unfortunately chose to ascend the rope. The rope released at some point, and she fell to the ground, resulting in multiple severe injuries. Another party came along about an hour later and found her semi-conscious. They sent someone out to alert Zion SAR, who responded quickly. While SAR was trying to position the rescue helicopter for a short haul, Cassy died from her injuries.

Thanks to Zion SAR for a quick response, and to the people in the next party and other parties for doing what they could.

This post is not intended for discussion. Canyoneering solo always carries greater risk, but for a very-competent canyoneer, Mystery Canyon is a mild solo. Getting your rope stuck can happen to any of us. Ascending a stuck rope is a risky endeavor, only to be undertaken when all other options have been exhausted. In a trade route canyon, waiting for the next party to show up is often a good choice.

I don't think there is more to say. Please do not post on this thread - email me if you wish: ratagonia at gmail.com There will also be a Cassy Appreciation thread in a few places.

Tom

Additional information: the fall occurred on the Mystery Springs rappel, and when she fell, she landed on the top of the huge chockstone.

Tom

Just can't bring myself to "like" that post (which is all that CC allows), so I'll comment and say thank you Tom, for the information. Condolences to all who knew her, and to her family. She was a great person.