WA’s rock climbing community in mourning after Tom Wiltshire killed in West Cape Howe National Park tragedy

WA’s tight-knit rock climbing community is mourning the loss of experienced rock climber and “incredible human being” Tom Wiltshire after he fell to his death on WA’s south coast. Mr Wiltshire, an experienced climber, was scaling a 40m cliff face in a remote area of West Cape Howe National Park on Tuesday afternoon when he fell about 20m. His rock climbing partner was also injured in the incident and taken to hospital for treatment. About 5pm on Tuesday, emergency services were called to a remote southern area of the national park halfway between Albany and Denmark. The Albany SES vertical rescue team, firefighters, police and paramedics rushed to the scene. The RAC rescue helicopter was deployed from Bunbury, however it was stood down a short time later. Great Southern Police Acting Superintendent Paul McMurtrie said the two men were part of a group of about 8-10 experienced rock climbers who spent the day in the West Cape Howe area. After the group completed a climb in the morning, Mr Wiltshire and his friend decided to set out on another climb. They had descended the cliff face and were on their way back up when a rock fall caused the tragedy. “A couple of the experienced climbers were undertaking a climb in the afternoon,” Acting Supt McMurtrie said. “While two were on the rock face, there’s been a rock fall and as a result of that rock fall, one of the climbers unfortunately has fallen to his demise.” The retrieval of Mr Wiltshire’s body was suspended on Tuesday evening because of poor light and strong winds. Mr Wiltshire’s partner was among the group of rock climbers and was taken away from the scene in an ambulance on Tuesday night. The Albany SES volunteer rescue team returned to the area on Wednesday morning and completed the delicate retrieval operation by midday. Acting Supt McMurtrie said rock climbing was an “extremely hazardous” hobby even with detailed preparation. “You can be fully prepared but events can occur outside your actions or control and make it more dangerous,” he said. “This is a very unfortunate incident and our condolences go out to his family “The rock climbing community will no doubt be supporting each other in this difficult time.” The towering coastal cliffs in West Cape Howe National Park have become a popular destination for rock climbers and slackliners. On Wednesday, fellow rock climber Joey Curry described Mr Wiltshire as an “incredible human being with an incredible climbing career”. “I’m shocked,” Mr Curry said on Facebook. “Thoughts go out to his partner and family.” Another rock climber, Graeme Russell, said Mr Wiltshire’s death was a “great loss to our community”. Climbers Association of WA president Jiri Stastny paid tribute to the 29-year-old as “a talented climber, and an outgoing and respected member of the WA climbing community”. “On behalf of all climbers, the Climbers Association of WA expresses its heartfelt condoences to Tom’s family, partner and friends at this exceptionally difficult time,” Mr Stastny said. Acting Supt McMurtrie said the circumstances surrounding Mr Wiltshire’s death would be investigated by police with a report prepared for the coroner. “Every indication is that these people have taken all precautions at this point but that will form part of the investigation for the coroner’s file,” he said.