Teton climbers died after rock anchor failed

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — Two experienced climbers found dead on Grand Teton earlier this week had tumbled about 1,500 feet down a steep snowy slope after one of their anchors gave way, a park official said Thursday.

Why the anchor gave way is not known and might never be known, park spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs said.

The anchor could have popped loose, or a rock could have fallen from above and knocked the anchor loose, she said.

"It's all speculation at this point," Skaggs said.

Alan Rooney, 38, and Jonathan Morrow, 28, both of nearby Kelly, Wyo., were experienced climbers, she said.

"They had the appropriate equipment with them and were wearing helmets," Skaggs said.

The two were believed to have fallen sometime Sunday, and their bodies were recovered Tuesday still roped together at the 10,650-foot elevation of the 13,766-foot mountain.

Skaggs said the two were preparing to climb a couloir on a part of the Grand Teton known for "some serious terrain" and rock fall.