I Survived Myself – Powder CanadaIn a remarkable display of dedication and physical endurance, Will Soper, a 28-year-old EMT and technical rescuer with Burke Rescue Inc. and SAR, embarked on a strenuous 1.5-mile run through the rugged Linville Gorge to deliver life-saving blood to an injured climber on Shortoff Mountain. (outsideonline.com)
On August 30, 2026, Jacob Gregory, a North Carolina climber, fell approximately 15 to 20 feet while leading an ascent with his son on the Dopey Duck route, a challenging 350-foot climb in Linville Gorge. The fall resulted in serious injuries, including internal bleeding, necessitating an immediate blood transfusion to stabilize his condition. (auranews.co)
At the time of the accident, Soper was conducting training with the Ashe County Rescue Squad, about two hours away. Upon receiving the distress call, he swiftly gathered his gear and drove to the trailhead. Recognizing the urgency, Soper was instructed to retrieve a bag of whole blood from the parking lot and deliver it to the climber. He placed the blood in a cooler with cold packs to maintain its viability and began his ascent. In just 31 minutes, Soper traversed 1.5 miles through the gorge, ascending approximately 1,000 feet, all while carrying the critical blood supply. (outsideonline.com)
Upon reaching the summit, Soper navigated a steep, slick gully to the rappel station, where he handed off the backpack containing the blood to his colleague, Robert Vasile. Vasile, equipped with a harness and helmet, rappelled down to the injured climber, delivering the blood to paramedics awaiting below. (outsideonline.com)
The rescue operation involved 24 agencies, including the North Carolina National Guard, which deployed a Black Hawk helicopter to extract the climber from the challenging terrain. Gregory was airlifted to Atrium Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where he underwent emergency surgery and is currently in stable condition. (outsideonline.com)
Soper’s swift and selfless action underscores the critical role of search and rescue volunteers in emergency situations. His commitment to the safety and well-being of others exemplifies the spirit of community and the importance of preparedness in the face of unforeseen challenges. (outsideonline.com)