September 4, 2002--

Hartman Rector, Jr.: "I CAN'T BEGRUDGE THE FACT THAT HE DIED DOING WHAT HE WANTED TO DO."

A family mourns for an experienced climber who plunged to his death this morning in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

The victim of the fall -- Daniel Rector -- was well-known in Utah, as a businessman, and the son of a prominent religious leader.

Rector, an expert climber, headed 13 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon before six o'clock this morning for a sunrise climb.

Sadly, he didn't make it back.

Those who knew 46-year-old Daniel Rector say they have suffered a terrible loss.

Paul Dorius/Daniel's coworker: "TODAY WE LOST A FRIEND, A BROTHER IN MANY WAYS."

Daniel Rector was known for his humor, incredible energy, but most of all for his love of the outdoors.

An accomplished climber, he took a risk that ended his life early this morning.

When he lost his footing while climbing up the west slope of Monte Christo, 13 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon, he fell 200 feet.

Rescue crews say he and his partner were "free-climbing," or climbing without ropes -- a practice many experienced climbers use.

His partner made his way down the slope and called 9-1-1.

Peggy Faulkner/Salt Lake Co. Sheriff's Dept.: "BOTH OF THESE CLIMBERS WERE VERY EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS AND THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING WITHOUT EQUIPMENT AND DECIDED TO TAKE THAT CHANCE."

A medical helicopter used a hoist to pick up Daniel, but it was already too late.

He died before help arrived.

He was the son of Hartman Rector Junior, a General Authority, emeritus, of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He says his son died doing what he loved to do.

Daniel Rector leaves behind a wife and four children.