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FatalityOutcome: FatalFall

Fatality — Mount Washington, Mar 14, 1965

·Mount Washington

31-year-old filmmaker (1963 American Everest expedition) · party of 2

Daniel E. Doody, 31, a filmmaker who had been on the 1963 American Mount Everest expedition, fell approximately 1,400 feet from the fourth pitch of Pinnacle Gully while ice climbing on March 14, 1965 with his partner Craig Merrihue. The short ice screw protecting the lead pulled out and both died, still roped together.

What we can learn

An ice screw of inadequate length can pull when loaded by a leader fall. Both highly experienced climbers died because a single short screw was their only protection.

Before you head out: check the forecast, carry the Ten Essentials, leave your plans with someone, and be willing to turn back. See current conditions →

Other recorded incidents on Mount Washington

Part of the WMNF Hiker Incident Database. Every entry cites a primary or near-primary source; details are refined as the record is reviewed.