Free-solo climber falls to death at Nooksack Falls

Earl Prunty, a 68-year-old free solo climber, tragically lost his life on March 17 while climbing Nooksack Falls, a place he regarded as his sanctuary. Search and rescue workers recovered his body without any climbing gear, highlighting his commitment to free soloing, which involves climbing without ropes or harnesses. Earlier this month, he successfully completed a challenging hands-first downclimb of a 128-foot section of the falls, a personal achievement he shared on social media. His daughter, Natalie Greisen, described Prunty as a brawny man with a passion for nature, known for his unique approach to downclimbing that allowed him to appreciate the beauty of his surroundings. Evidence indicates he had been skiing at Mt.

Baker Ski Area before his fall, and a cell phone recording captured the moment he fell from the cliff. The loss of Prunty has left a significant void in the lives of his family and friends, who remember his exuberance and fearless spirit. Greisen poignantly expressed in a Facebook post that her father embodied the essence of a Mountain Man, fully immersed in the natural world. His adventurous legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.