While climbing The Thumb in Little Cottonwood Canyon on September 26, 2023, Dylan and his climbing partner Chris inadvertently strayed off route due to a recent rockfall that had obliterated the approach trail, unbeknownst to them at the time. Seeking the beginning of their intended route, they ascended a 5.6 rock gully, aiming for a ledge where they planned to secure their ropes. Chris ascended first, but as he climbed, a large boulder unexpectedly dislodged, sending him and the boulder tumbling 20 feet onto Dylan. Dylan was swept down 60-70 feet of steep, rocky terrain by the boulder. Miraculously, the climbing rope he carried snagged on a lone sagebrush, halting his descent just as the boulder careened past him over a 120-foot cliff.