A Montana rock climber had a serious accident when a large boulder fell and struck him as he was climbing. Cody Boehm was working on a rock formation near Custer Gallatin National Forest last Sunday when a boulder, about the size of a microwave, was accidentally dislodged by a friend and hit him.
Boehm fell about 50 feet down the cliff, suffering multiple injuries, including seven fractures in his collarbone and 24 broken ribs. He also sustained a large gash on his back, which resulted in significant bleeding.
Boehm and his doctor indicated that the impact could have caused severe brain damage if not for the helmet he was wearing. “Your helmet will save your life no matter what. That’s why it saved my life. It hit me on the head. If I didn’t have a helmet, I wouldn’t be here today,” he remarked.
Medical professionals at Billings Clinic noted the potential for severe head injuries given the circumstances.
When his rescuers finally reached him, Boehm was still conscious and found the situation somewhat remarkable, although he was also incredibly relieved. They transported him to a nearby clinic for treatment.
Rescue efforts were complicated by the challenging terrain; the area was filled with trees that obstructed access. Boehm acknowledged the hard work of the rescue team from Red Lodge Fire Force, who had to clear the path to reach him.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Boehm is eager to continue climbing in the future and emphasized the importance of always wearing a helmet.
