man that is horrible....
the other day i got about 2 steps up before i lost the bottom , the straps were way to big for my feet(i borrowed a friend's summit). thank God i could slip my feet in between the bars safely...my sister was was her way out and stopped by, i only climbed about 8 feet, then put my safety harness on...she gave me a mouthful...after i told her what happened... thoughts and prayers go out to your buddy, i'm glad you were there for him...