Rock Climber Dies In Joshua Tree National Park

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK (AP) — A 33-year-old rock climber is dead after falling about 110 feet while rappelling down a rock formation in Joshua Tree National Park.

Park spokesman Joe Zarki said Tuesday that David Pinegar of Loomis, Calif. was pronounced dead after Monday afternoon's fall.

Zarki said Pinegar and a companion were rappelling down Saddle Rock, one of the tallest rock formations at the desert park, when he somehow fell as he was coming down.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is investigating the cause of the accident.

Zarki said he had no information on Pinegar's rock climbing experience.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)