A climber suffered traumatic injuries after a rock dislodged, causing him to fall approximately 40 feet onto a ledge below, in the area of Long Canyon Trail and Deadman’s Pass at 12:22 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
The climber was part of a three-person party attempting what they believed was a first ascent on a crack climb when the accident occurred.
“Sedona Fire arrived, started hiking in. They had trouble finding him because cell service in there was bad, so they didn’t have a good location,” SFD Deputy Fire Marshal Kirk Riddell said. “They called for
[Arizona Department of Public Safety] Ranger 3 out of Flagstaff to fly over and locate the patient for them, which they did.”
Because of the challenging terrain and the patient’s position on a small ledge, access from the ground was impossible.
The rescue required a multi-agency response involving SFD stations 1, 4 and 6, the DPS Ranger helicopter, a Guardian Air helicopter and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
DPS deployed a Bell 429 helicopter equipped with hoist capabilities from Phoenix. The aircraft lowered a DPS paramedic to begin treatment, then picked up SFD Rescue Specialist Brent Johnson, an engineer and paramedic certified to operate on the aircraft.
“The scene itself was challenging because it was in the vertical realm with slanted rocks, slippery with sand,” Johnson said. “We had to clip in to bolts just to operate safely in the environment we were working in.”
“They hoisted him down, and the rescue specialist from DPS and SFD’s rescue specialist, Brent Johnson, treated the patient, got him ready,” Riddell said. “[Because] they were operating basically on a small ledge. They had to tie themselves off so they wouldn’t fall off the ledge because of the angle it was at.”
Even the work surface was so steep that rescuers had to shore up the backboard with bags beneath it. With rotor wash from the helicopter threatening to blow equipment away, everything had to be tethered to bolts in the cliff wall.
Crews hoisted the patient directly into the aircraft and transported him to Flagstaff Medical Center.
“In total, this rescue operation took approximately 4.5 hours to complete due to its high level of complexity,” SFD posted to social media on Thursday, Dec. 11. “Sedona Fire is incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our public safety partner agencies and the community we serve. This support allows us to conduct extensive training and build quality relationships; These factors lead to effective operations when lives are at risk.”
Riddell said he could not comment on the patient’s current condition because of privacy rules.
“The weather’s nice during the day [so] dress appropriately,” Riddell said. “Take into consideration the nights are cold. So if you’re starting your hike late, be prepared for cooler weather coming back out. Proper clothing, proper shoes. Take a charged phone with you. Don’t use your battery up out there.”
Support John Burcham’s Recovery
Friends and family of the hiker, John Burcham, a Flagstaff photographer, have started a GoFundMe to aid in his recovery:
Recently, John Burcham, a beloved Flagstaff photographer, was seriously injured in a climbing accident in Sedona. He is recovering from a traumatic brain injury and is currently unable to see. The road ahead will be long and challenging, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work, placing heavy emotional and financial strain on John and his family.
John is a devoted husband, father, and friend whose warmth, generosity, and integrity have left a lasting impact on everyone who knows him. With more than 30 years as a commercial and editorial photographer, his work has captured the beauty of Northern Arizona’s landscapes, adventure, and deep connection to place. Beyond his work, John is known for his inclusivity, salty sense of humor, and steady presence in the Flagstaff and the international outdoor community.
During this difficult time, the Burcham family needs help with medical expenses, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and daily living costs. Your support will allow John to focus on healing without the added burden of financial stress.
John has always given so much to his family, his community, and his craft. Now is our chance to show up for him. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting a man who has touched so many lives with his kindness and dedication.
