Real Survival Stories Bolt From the Blue: Suspended Over a Chasm
Nov 20, 2025
Rod Liberal, an experienced rock climber and lightning strike survivor, recounts his harrowing experience on Grand Teton in 2003. He shares the treacherous ascent, facing worsening weather, and a life-altering lightning strike that left him dangling over a deadly drop. Rod's emotional journey continues as he discusses the painful aftermath, grappling with survivor guilt after losing a friend. His incredible recovery inspires hope, and he reflects on the bravery of his rescuers and the emotional complexities of returning to the mountain.
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Folded And Suspended On Grand Teton
- Rod Liberal recounts being folded backwards and left hanging over a thousand-foot drop after a lightning strike.
- He felt paralyzed, in excruciating pain, and watched his pack fall into the chasm below.
Group Progress And The Wall Street Choke Point
- Rod details the climb with his group and the narrow ledge called Wall Street that forces single-file progress.
- After clearing Wall Street, they approached the slippery friction pitch where conditions worsened.
Weather Can Turn A Successful Climb Fatal
- Mountain weather turned rapidly from calm to violent, turning a safe climb into a high-risk situation.
- The delay at Wall Street amplified risk by forcing them to finish technical terrain in worsening weather.