The tragic news hit his fellow climbers like a punch to the gut: Jim Anglin, considered a "world class" rock climber, died Sunday in a fall from a trail at Smith Rock State Park near Bend, Ore.
Anglin lived in White Salmon with his wife, Cheryll.
According to the report from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Anglin, 55, was walking down a steep trail with two partners when he apparently lost his footing and fell about 100 feet into the bottom of a gorge. The trio of climbers were on their way to climb routes in the park, which is popular with rock climbers.
Emergency medical crews confirmed that Anglin died in the fall.
"I'm just devastated," said Steve Wolford, a White Salmon resident. "He climbed all the time, including at the big wall routes in Yosemite. He was extremely competent and incredibly talented. I met him while rock climbing at the crags near Hood River."
The accident happened at about 10 a.m. on Sunday.
"Jim was our neighbor, our climbing partner, and a great friend and mentor to me and my wife," added Paul Cousar, a White Salmon resident. "Jim was tons of fun to climb with, always providing a great vibe and never complaining."
"He was a really super-nice, low-key guy," Wolford said. "He was doing what he loved."
Funeral arrangements were not available as of press time on Tuesday.
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