William G. Worthington helped to save Hallard B. Kinnison from possible fatal shock, Yosemite National Park, California, July 7, 1970. Kinnison, 24, college student, fractured a thigh bone when he fell onto a ledge 750 feet above the base of a precipitous rocky peak which he was climbing with Worthington, 20, college student, and a schoolteacher, 31. Fearing that Kinnison would die of shock if, awaiting a rescue party, he was subjected to the lower temperature of the approaching night without medication and food, the teacher descended from the ledge, obtained medicine and other supplies from a cabin, and returned to the cliff. Leaving most of the supplies at the 300-foot level because of his waning strength, the teacher climbed to Kinnison’s position. Although he had brought Kinnison a steeping bag and medicine, it was felt that the rest of the supplies would be needed before a rescue party could arrive. Because the teacher was so fatigued, Worthington volunteered to get the supplies even though he had had little climbing experience. By then it was dark. Worthington made the descent with the aid of a flashlight, at the 700-foot level traversing a narrow ledge and making his way through a crevice with no safety aid. He located the supplies and took them to the 450-foot level. In attempting without success to negotiate an overhang there, Worthington was left dangling until he managed to maneuver back onto a ledge. The teacher descended to that level and then took the supplies to Kinnison’s position. The next day a rescue party removed Kinnison, who recovered after hospitalization.
52110 – 5805
52110-5805