Home / Disasters and Accidents / Young Climber's Fatal Fall at Devil's Lake
Young Climber's Fatal Fall at Devil's Lake
4 Aug
Summary
- Caden Brunner, 21, died after falling from Devil's Doorway.
- He fell over 100 feet, with initial drop followed by tree line fall.
- Brunner's obituary states he was rock climbing and lost his grip.
Caden Michael Brunner, a 21-year-old from Madison, has been identified as the man who died on July 21 at Devil's Lake State Park. He fell from the popular Devil's Doorway rock formation, a tragic incident that began with a 75-foot drop and continued through a tree line for another 100 feet.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is investigating the exact cause of the fall. Brunner's obituary indicates he was rock climbing and lost his grip, while an official had initially referred to him as a hiker. The obituary further describes Brunner as a kind individual with a passion for adventure, music, and family.
Brunner, a recent graduate of Middleton High School, had plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His funeral is set to take place on August 8 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison, with a viewing preceding the service.
This marks the second fatal fall at Devil's Lake State Park in 2026. In May, climbing guide Audrie Pelosi died in a climbing incident, and in October 2025, Peter Cleveland died in a rappelling accident.
