For 27 year old Aaron Ralston, it was a supreme sacrifice. And although he had known for several days what needed to be done, he was having a difficult time accepting his fate.
Descending into southern Utah’s BlueJohn Canyon on 26 April, 2003, Aaron Ralston was looking forward to spending some time alone. An experienced climber and mountaineer, Ralston was fully aware of the dangers of working this territory solo. To ease his mind, Ralston reminded himself that he had successfully circumvented a number of compromising situations in the past–and today would be no different.
As he descended into the canyon, Ralston was in his element–alive and vibrant. Carefully positioning himself to maneuver through the narrows, he was about to experience his worst nightmare.
Caught by surprise, Ralston would find himself trapped when a boulder shifted unexpectedly pinning his right hand to the canyon wall.
For five long and arduous days, Ralston tried to free himself before having to offer up a sacrifice of monumental proportions. Breaking the bones in his forearm, Ralston amputated his hand using a small, dull pocketknife. Finally free, Ralston rappelled down a 60 foot slope and hiked five miles before finding help.
Ralston’s story stands out as one of the most remarkable acts of survival in canyoneering history. A short time after his incident, Ralston’s hand was retrieved by park officials and returned to him. He had it cremated and sprinkled the remains in BlueJohn Canyon.
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