Woman falls off Half Dome . . . and lives!

I was knocked off a bridge in 2018 and only fell about ten feet to some rocks. I managed to ride my horse back to the trailer and was told at the ER that I had broken my neck. I disagreed because I was led to believe I had only cracked a bone spur. It was not too long ago that a chiropractor saw my X-rays and showed me that I did in fact break my neck. Heck, my horse even bucked a couple of times on the way back from getting stung by some yellow jackets. My friends were impressed at how I was hurt and rode through that like it was just another day in the park. Maybe I was still in shock? I’m so glad you are still here and after such a traumatic fall. I am probably going to have to have my spine fused soon from my fall. I hope your injuries don’t plague you as you age like they do me. My surgeon said he’s amazed at what I do from looking at my MRI and X-ray results. I do everything on my 92 year old mother’s property including splitting large tree rounds into firewood with a pneumatic wood splitter (I used the forks on the tractor to move the rounds). I need to start doing yoga and swimming to get ready for surgery but can’t find the time to get to a pool or the gym. The bridge was very slick so I was leading my horse across. She was sliding all over from her steel shoes and knocked me off. My friends said the horse came very close to falling off which would have killed me instantly. Fortunately we are still a team and ride the mountains to enjoy nature and being one with God.

After all that trauma she still looks great. Very lucky young woman.

Thank you to everyone for your supportive comments. It's been a long journey of recovery and I am continuing to be amazed at my progress and the remarkable community of people who have helped me along the journey. My gratitude is never ending.

Incredible story - thanks for posting this and sharing some wise words. We were on holiday in SF and Yosemite from the UK this summer and sadly bailed out of Halfdome with our two daughters choosing to hike some of the smaller peaks instead. There's certainly no shortage of spectacular places to hike in Yosemite! I try to teach my kids to push and challenge themselves but always be smart about it (and always be properly prepared)! One day they'll be back I'm sure! Good luck Gina - amazing recovery! And thank goodness for all the mountain rescue folks, they do a fantastic job.

Gina, I watched through tears. So lovely to see you sharing your story -- your courage and grace and gratitude are an inspiration. Beautiful video!

An incredible survival story Gina. I've been watching several videos of hiking Half Dome and am breaking out in a sweat. Several years ago, I tried hiking Angels Landing at Zion and found a newly discovered fear of heights. I did not continue. As much as I'd like to do this hike, there is no way I could do it. Thank goodness for all the first responders risking their lives to save others.

Wow Gina. What an amazing story. I have been twice. first time I blistered out and had to go back. Came back when I was 25. Left late in morning. Got to cables at 2:30. got stuck behind someone trying to overcome his fear of heights. Finally made it to top by 3:30. Coming down about the same place I started getting vertigo and was harder going back down. Got back to happy trails about 8:30pm. Hiked in the dark for 2 hours by moonlight. So glad to hear you are O.K. You are truly an amazing person.

Wow! Incredible story and recovery! Climbed the Half Dome Cables yesterday and one of the poles and wood planks came out as a man was descending right next to my Dad. I didn't realize how dangerous that was until now! Luckily everyone is safe and the pole and wood plank was placed back in its correct alignment. Amazing story and I wish her even more recovery so she can return to Yosemite and hike Half Dome successfully!

Hi Sean and Jim! Thank you for your response and for being so great to my family and friends when this all went down! Grace and light to you! Gx

I climbed Half Dome and never in a million years would have done it during inclement weather conditions. The temperature has to be warm enough for the granite to not be extra slippery. Incredible you survived.

What an amazing story. Thank you for what you do now to promote awareness and offering tips to people who want to hike. Half Dome is something I always wanted to hike but I haven't been able to pull my courage together. We recently did the Grand Canyon hike with friends and continue to be humbled by nature. I am glad you're able to get back to hiking. If you're an outdoor/nature person, that's where your joy lies and I'm happy for you. All the very best and thank you for sharing your story.

Wow, such an inspiring experience Gina! Thank you so much for sharing. Sounds funny but was really nice to hear your voice again :-)

I found this story researching half dome and it boggles me why so many people refuse to consider using harnesses. I understand it's a bit slower if you are clipped in but no one says you have to. It's just there in case you need to such as was the case here. Inclimate weather, as a backup, as a means to allow you to safely rest, as a means for one to safely collect oneself, and as protection from any of a host of things that can go wrong. I always believe in preparing for the worst. Once wet, that granite becomes super slick. Now you are forced to depend solely on your grip to keep you from falling. Unless you are a climber, even a fit individually will eventually tire out. If I do give it a go, I intend to clip in and not only that, I intend to have friction hitches on in case i need to anchor and pause in between posts or need to go outside the cables for whatever reason. A big concern of mine are the people ahead. What it they fall? What if their gear falls. Impact from falling gear and people can severely injure a person or cause one to let go. I understand probably 98% or better climb this with no issues but does anyone want to willingly be the 2%? Personally, I don't.

Amazing story. I'm very happy that you are still with us Gina. Keep up the good fight.

Been to HD twice, you are very lucky. God is with you!

We are so proud of you Gina and feel so fortunate that our paths crossed! You are an amazing spirit and an inspriation!!!! Sean and Jim

Gina, what a beautiful story of recovery. Thank you for sharing your story. I am debating on climbing half dome. I myself have recovered from a spinal injury and will not stop from reaching my goals. <3

We just go back from Yosemite last week. We went up the JMT but only got a couple hours into the hike before the heat was too much. Looking forward to finishing this trip some day. This is an awesome video. Thank you for sharing.

Gina, You survived a very powerful and punishing experience. Great recovery and best of luck with your future. Angels are truly watching over you. Thank you for sharing

Thank you, JoAnn!!! I am very grateful to know you and your lovely daughter. Gxx