GARDINER – A 46-year-old Niskayuna
man fell 50 feet to his death while rock climbing at Mohonk Preserve at
Route 44/55 in the Town of Gardiner. The accident occurred at around 8:20
p.m. on Wednesday.
State Police identified the victim as Andrew Barnes, who was free climbing
and not using a climbing rope at the time when he fell. He was pronounced
dead at the scene.
Police said Barnes had been a rock climber with over 10 years of experience.
State Police were assisted by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office,
Monhonk Preserve Search and Rescue rangers, and Town of Gardiner and Shawangunk
fire departments.
