HELENA – A Montana woman is recovering following a June rock climbing accident that left her severely injured and forced the amputation of part of an arm and a leg.
On June 30, Kaylene Murphy was rock climbing with her boyfriend at Natural Bridge outside Big Timber.
Murphy’s parents say as Murphy was acting as the anchor for her climbing partner when a six-foot slab of rock broke off and severed part of her leg and hand.
An air ambulance flew her to Billings where doctors had to amputate part of her arm and most of her leg.
She also suffered a brain injury, broken ribs, and fractured vertebrae.
Crystal Christison, Kaylene’s mother, talked to MTN today about the moments following the accident and her daughter’s amazing recovery and positive attitude.
“The main thing to me, at that point was I had asked, is she still alive, just tell me she’s still alive…and I knew if she was alive, then we could get through anything else. Her attitude is incredible, and we just see God working every single day in our lives,” Christison said.
Kaylene hopes to teach others rock climbing safety, like the importance of wearing a helmet. Kaylene also says she is ready to get back out there and climb again.
Kaylene is missing an insulin pump. It was lost at Natural Bridge.
To follow her journey go to her Facebook page “Prayers for Kaylene Murphy”.
To donate towards her recovery, visit here.
Reporting by Mercedies Pruneda for MTN News
