MORGANTON, N.C. -- A rock climber has died after falling from Shortoff Mountain Sunday morning.
- Officials say the victim, 31-year-old Austin Howell of Chicago, Illinois, fell 80 feet from the mountain.
- Emergency officials performed CPR on him but he was pronounced dead.
- Officials say he was free climbing in one of the most difficult portions of Linville Gorge.
It happened at approximately 11:46 a.m.
Officials say the victim, 31-year-old Austin Howell of Chicago, Illinois, fell 80 feet from the mountain.
Emergency officials performed CPR on him but he was pronounced dead.
Officials say he was free climbing without protective gear in one of the most difficult portions of Linville Gorge.
Loved ones are expressing their condolences and admiration for Howell on his Facebook page.
The U.S. Forest Service is investigating.