Man Survives 400-Foot Fall That Killed 3 Other Climbers. Hours Later, He Walked Away and Used Payphone to Call 911

Survivor of Tragic 400-Foot Fall Uses Payphone to Call 911, While Three Climbers Perish

Anton Tselykh, a 38-year-old climber from Seattle, miraculously survived a 400-foot fall in the North Cascade mountains of Washington that tragically resulted in the death of three fellow climbers. The incident, which occurred on May 11, 2025, left Tselykh as the sole survivor after the climbers fell while descending a steep gully due to an anchor failure during rappelling. Tselykh’s resilience and quick thinking were evident as he managed to extricate himself from the ropes and gear, despite suffering internal bleeding and head trauma.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the climbing accident near North Early Winters Spire, off of State Route 20, approximately 16 miles west of Mazama. Tselykh’s survival and subsequent actions have astounded authorities and the climbing community. Identified as Vishnu Irigireddy, Tim Nguyen, and Oleksander Martynenko, the deceased climbers were honored by authorities as their bodies were recovered from the mountainous terrain with the assistance of a helicopter rescue team.

Undersheriff Dave Yarnell recounted Tselykh’s perseverance in the face of severe injuries, highlighting his tenacity in hiking back to his car and using a payphone to call for help, even though it took him around twelve hours to do so. Tselykh’s exact route to safety and the details of the fall remain under investigation. As per Yarnell, Tselykh is currently in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, preventing authorities from immediately interviewing him about the tragic incident.

The climbing community and authorities have been deeply affected by the incident, with the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office expressing condolences to the families and friends of the deceased climbers. The sheriff’s office also requested the public’s sensitivity and respect towards those impacted by the tragedy at North Early Winters Spire. As the U.S. Forest Service undertakes the investigation, the circumstances leading to the anchor failure and subsequent fall will be examined to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Tselykh’s survival story has garnered global attention, underscoring the risks and challenges faced by climbers in treacherous terrains. Despite the harrowing experience, Tselykh’s resilience and determination to seek help reflect the indomitable spirit of survival. The climbing community stands together in mourning the loss of Irigireddy, Nguyen, and Martynenko, while also acknowledging Tselykh’s miraculous escape and his bravery in the face of adversity.

As authorities continue to investigate the climbing accident in the North Cascades, Tselykh’s survival serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness, safety protocols, and quick thinking in mitigating risks associated with climbing and other adventurous pursuits. Tselykh’s experience will undoubtedly serve as a reminder of the resilience and courage required when facing life-threatening situations in remote and challenging environments.

The tragic events of May 11, 2025, in the North Cascade mountains serve as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers of mountain climbing and the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities. Tselykh’s survival against insurmountable odds speaks volumes about the human capacity for endurance and survival in extreme circumstances. As the climbing community mourns the loss of three lives, Tselykh’s miraculous escape stands as a beacon of hope and resilience amid tragedy and loss.