Police release name of 19-year-old who died while rock climbing

CEDAR CITY – Authorities have released the name of a 19-year-old man who died Monday evening after falling between 20-30 feet while rock climbing just outside of Cedar City.

The man has been identified as Thomas Harley Reuben Christensen, of Cedar City.

Christensen was rock climbing with two male companions when the incident occurred.

At about 5 p.m. Monday, Christensen’s companions reported he had fallen on a mountainside located about 200 feet above state Route 14, which is known as a popular destination for rock climbers.

Officers and paramedics climbed to Christensen, who appeared to have sustained fractures and a head injury from the fall, and attempted to resuscitate him.

The Iron County Search and Rescue Ropes Team responded to assist in getting Christensen off the mountainside and down to SR-14, where Life Flight was prepared to transport him to the hospital.

However, the injuries suffered were too traumatic, according to a press statement from the Cedar City Police Department, and Christensen died prior to being taken to the hospital.

“At this time there are no indications that this was anything other than a tragic accident,” the Cedar City Police Department said in a statement issued Monday evening.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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