Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Hiker Impaled by Trekking Pole, Walks 16 km for Surgery
David Cifaldi was hiking Montana’s tallest mountain, Granite Peak, with friends.
After almost seven hours, he slipped on a rock and fell.
His trekking pole stuck into his body, going through his left side muscle and out his back, but he could still breathe.
He walked about 16 kilometers to reach a hospital for surgery.
The incident shows how dangerous mountain hiking can be.
David Cifaldi, 32‑year‑old nurse, was impaled by his trekking pole on Granite Peak, Montana.
The fall happened on July 20 after nearly seven hours of hiking with friends.
The pole pierced his left side muscle below the armpit and protruded through his back, missing the chest cavity and lung.
He could still breathe and walked 16 km to reach St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings.
The incident highlights the risks of mountain trekking and the importance of quick medical response.
- Who
- David Cifaldi, a 32‑year‑old nurse
- What
- Impaled by his trekking pole and walked 16 km to get surgery
- When
- July 20
- Where
- Granite Peak, Montana, United States
- Why
- He fell on a rock after nearly seven hours of hiking
- Name
- David Cifaldi
- Age
- 32
- Occupation
- Nurse
- Incident Date
- July 20
- Location
- Granite Peak, Montana
- Injury
- Trekking pole pierced left side muscle, protruding through back
- Distance Walked
- 16 km
- Hospital
- St. Vincent Regional Hospital, Billings, Montana