University Administration Expert Opines on Fatal Accident During Field Trip

Case Overview

This educational leadership case involves a female student who was injured during a field trip in Mississippi. The student was allowed to select from a number of possible field trips, and ultimately selected a trip to a local indoor rock climbing gym, as the trip would also serve to satisfy a physical education requirement held by the school. The student had no previous rock climbing experience, however she was a student athlete who led a very active lifestyle. On arrival to the rock climbing facility, the students were shown a brief presentation on the safe use of harnesses and belay equipment. Nevertheless, when the student was placed in her harness by climbing gym staff, it was done so incorrectly. While near the top of a 50 foot climbing wall the student fell and suffered fatal injuries.