Edmonds man dies in climbing accident

COULEE CITY - An Edmonds man died Sunday afternoon while ice-climbing in popular area north of Coulee City.

Robert A. Prosser, 60, came to the area near state Route 155, nine miles north of Coulee City to climb rock walls with a friend, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office. The two men were walking along a trail, when the victim's friend turned and gave the man some equipment, said Kyle Foreman, a spokesman for the sheriff's office. When the victim's friend kept walking, he heard a noise and turned to see the victim falling.

Prosser fell about 150 feet and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Emergency responders were called about 2 p.m. Sunday.

"Grant County has such great recreation year round, and to have someone travel here and then have such a terrible accident is heartbreaking," Sheriff Tom Jones stated. "I will pray for his friends and family." Investigators do not suspect of foul play or equipment failure caused the incident, according to the sheriff's office. Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison stated Prosser and a friend came to the canyon for ice-climbing. There was not a clear indication Prosser was on an icy surface when he fell.

Autopsy results from the Grant County Coroner show Prosser died from trauma to the head and chest and the death was ruled an accident.