David Cifaldi, a 32-year-old nurse from Billings, Montana, was impaled by his own trekking pole while attempting to climb Granite Peak, the state's highest summit, on Monday, July 20, 2026. The 44-inch (112-centimeter) steel-tipped pole pierced the flesh beneath his left arm, passing through his body and protruding from his back, but crucially missed all vital organs.
The incident occurred as Cifaldi and his two hiking companions were crossing Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau and nearing the summit. Cifaldi slipped and impaled himself on the pole during the fall. Despite the severe nature of the injury, Cifaldi, who works in wound care, performed a self-assessment. He found himself alert with little pain or blood, and the pole remained stable. He described the situation with a touch of humor, stating, “'Tis but a flesh wound,” and expressed confidence that the injury was outside his chest wall.
After conferring with his friends and considering the significant cost of a helicopter rescue, Cifaldi decided on a self-rescue. The group utilized a Garmin inReach satellite communication device to inform local authorities of their plan. Cifaldi's friends, Jesse Ross and another companion, supported his decision. Ross recalled, “He’s the medical person. Our job is just to support at that point.”
The trio then began their challenging descent from the plateau along an unmarked route, navigating through boulders and snowfields before bushwhacking their way to an established trail. The arduous journey lasted over six hours, during which they traveled approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) and descended roughly 5,000 feet (1,500 meters). They eventually reached a trailhead where Jesse Ross had parked a vehicle.
Throughout their descent, Stillwater County Search and Rescue commander Ty Williams monitored the group's progress via a dispatcher who received updates from the hikers. The initial call came in at 9:44 a.m. on July 20, shortly after Cifaldi was impaled. By 1:30 p.m., the group informed dispatchers they were nearing the trailhead and requested that the nearest hospital be notified of their impending arrival.
Williams stated that the search and rescue team respected Cifaldi's wishes. “There was no danger to anybody else. He didn’t want our help and so we’re not going to essentially violate his rights or go against his wishes by forcing our help on him,” Williams said. By approximately 3:30 p.m., the hikers were in Ross' vehicle and en route to the nearest clinic.
Upon reaching the clinic, medical staff determined that Cifaldi required more advanced treatment and directed them to St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings, where Cifaldi himself is employed. Doctors at the hospital successfully removed the pole, treated his wounds, and Cifaldi was reportedly back at work the following week.
Reflecting on his decision, Cifaldi commented, “I think 99 times out of a hundred I would make the same decision.” He cited the financial aspect, noting that while search and rescue services are free, helicopter transport is not, as a significant factor in his choice to self-rescue. The presence of his two experienced friends and their ability to contact emergency services if the situation worsened also contributed to his confidence.
Granite Peak, standing at 12,800 feet (3,900 meters), is known for its unpredictable weather, including dangerous lightning storms and bitter cold. Hundreds of people attempt to reach its summit annually, with many falling short. The article also mentions a previous fatality in 2019, where a 65-year-old experienced climber died after falling about 150 feet (45 meters) near the summit.
