David Cifaldi and two hiking companions were crossing Montana’s Froze-to-Death Plateau as they approached the summit area of the state’s highest peak when Cifaldi slipped and was impaled by his trekking pole, according to rescue officials and Cifaldi. The pole, with a steel tip about 44 inches long, passed through flesh beneath his left arm, missed vital organs, and protruded from his back. Cifaldi, 32, said he quickly assessed his condition with the support of his companions. Deciding on Self-RescueCifaldi, a nurse who works in wound care at a hospital in Billings, Montana, checked whether he was in immediate danger. He reported being alert, with limited pain and little blood, and that the pole was not moving. To coordinate next steps without immediately involving a helicopter, the group used a satellite communication device, a Garmin inReach, to contact local authorities and explain they would attempt to reach help on foot. They began descending from the plateau along an unmarked route, picking their way through boulders and snowfields before bushwhacking to an established trail. Over more than six hours, they travelled about 10 miles and dropped roughly 5,000 feet before reaching a trailhead. Cifaldi’s friend Jesse Ross had parked a vehicle there. Ross later said Cifaldi’s judgement made the plan possible, adding that the others were there to provide support once the decision had been made. Granite Peak’s RisksCifaldi had long planned to climb Granite Peak, which rises to 12,800 feet. Authorities note that the mountain can bring sudden weather changes, including lightning storms and extreme cold. Many climbers attempt the rocky summit each year, with many turning back before reaching the top. In 2019, authorities said a 65-year-old man from Minnesota, described as an experienced climber, died after falling about 150 feet near the summit while he was with his son. Search And Rescue Monitors CallsAs the group started its descent with the pole still protruding, Stillwater County Search and Rescue commander Ty Williams monitored their progress through a dispatcher who fielded calls from the hikers. Williams said the first call came at 9:44 a.m. on July 20, shortly after the impalement. By 1:30 p.m., the trio told rescuers they were nearing the trailhead and asked that the nearest hospital be informed of their expected arrival, Williams said. Williams said rescuers did not interfere with Cifaldi’s plan because he did not want assistance and there was no danger to others. By around 3:30 p.m., the hikers were in Ross’ vehicle heading to a nearby clinic, Cifaldi said. At the clinic, staff told them Cifaldi needed more advanced treatment in Billings. The group then drove to St. Vincent Regional Hospital, where doctors removed the trekking pole, treated the wound and bandaged him. Cifaldi returned to work this week, he said. Speaking from Ross’ home in Billings, Cifaldi said he would make the same choice in most circumstances, noting that while search and rescue is free, helicopter transport is not. He also said having experienced friends with him and the ability to contact search and rescue if the situation worsened helped him decide. Join the discussion? 31 July 2026
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