Man, Dog Were Rappelling From Cliff When Anchor Failed

A Utah canyoneering trip turned into an airlift rescue after a climber's anchor failed—while his poodle was harnessed to his chest. The 33-year-old man was descending a 20- to 30-foot drop in Buckeyes Canyon in the San Rafael Swell on Saturday when his "bag anchor system" gave way, the Emery County Sheriff's Office said. He plunged backward to the canyon floor, where his wife had already rappelled. A helmet and large pack likely softened the impact; he injured his wrist and ankle, while the dog suffered a minor leg injury. Both are expected to be OK.

Alerted by the couple, another party further down the route provided first aid before emergency responders arrived. A state helicopter later hoisted the man out, followed by his wife and dog, per KSL. A local guide tells Outside that Buckeyes is a demanding canyon with few natural anchor options. He adds that the type of "sandtrap" or "potshot" anchor apparently used—involving a bag weighted down with sand or rocks, which can be emptied with a pull once the climber reaches the canyon floor—requires advanced skills. It's not yet clear why it failed in this case.