A male climber in his 50s fell to his death while rappelling inside Keyhole Cave, near the Sugarloaf Trailhead in Sedona, on Saturday, June 13.
The Sedona Fire District and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office responded at about 1:30 p.m. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter arrived on scene around 1:50 p.m.
When deputies arrived, they found a male climber in his 50s who had apparently fallen while rappelling to the cave floor. Another climber present at the scene attempted life-saving measures.
Foul play is not suspected, though the death remains under active investigation, according to YCSO. Area residents and visitors are requested to avoid the Keyhole Cave at this time to allow emergency personnel to complete their operations.
“The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the climber’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” YCSO Public Affairs Officer Paul Wick stated.
Note: This call is unrelated to the June 6 call when a climber who was exploring Keyhole Cave north of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest walked back uninjured after she was rescued by a multi-agency team on Saturday, June 6. That climber was rappelling through the Keyhole Cave area and became entangled on her rope system and was unable to descend any further.
