Climber Found Crucified on Cliff Face — 4 Years After Vanishing in Yosemite

In the majestic heights of Yosemite National Park, where sheer cliffs kiss the sky and nature’s beauty often masks its dangers, a chilling tale lay dormant for four long years. It was a story that began with ambition and ended in horror, revealing the dark side of human nature against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. On a fateful day in October 2018, two young climbers stumbled upon a sight that would forever change their lives—a body, crucified on a cliff face, a grim reminder of the price of betrayal.

The Disappearance

Thomas Roland, a seasoned climber born in the late 1970s in Denver, Colorado, was no stranger to the mountains. From an early age, he spent his days scaling the rugged terrain, guided by his father, a forest ranger. By the time he turned 20, Tom had already completed over a hundred climbs, earning a reputation as a skilled mountaineer. He worked as an instructor at Ascent Peak Adventures, a prestigious mountaineering club, leading wealthy clients on exhilarating climbs in the Rockies.

However, beneath the surface of his successful career lay a desperate need for recognition. Tom dreamed of fame, longing for a television show that would showcase his adventures. His ambitions took a dark turn in 2011 when he met a group of investors, including Mark Delano, at a corporate climbing event. Intrigued by a legend of hidden Civil War artifacts, Tom saw an opportunity to secure funding for an expedition that could elevate his status in the climbing community.

Over the next two years, Tom spent the investors’ money on fruitless searches, fabricating stories of promising discoveries to keep the funds flowing. When the investors demanded results, he panicked. Instead of admitting failure, he resorted to deception, purchasing old artifacts and passing them off as legitimate finds. The trust he had built crumbled, and the investors threatened legal action for fraud.

With mounting debts and a tarnished reputation, Tom announced a solo climbing trip to Yosemite National Park in September 2014, claiming he needed to clear his head. Little did anyone know, this trip would mark the beginning of his tragic end.

The Last Climb

On September 19, 2014, Tom registered at the park entrance, planning to conquer the challenging Arrowhead Spur route on North Dome. He packed his climbing gear, food, and water, appearing calm and confident to the rangers. However, as the days passed without word from him, concern grew. By September 22, when he failed to check in, a search operation was launched.

Days turned into a frantic search, as rescuers combed the rugged terrain, following trails and checking crevices. They found his abandoned backpack, but no sign of Tom. The investigation led to various theories—an accident, a fall, or even a deliberate disappearance. Despite the efforts, the search was officially called off after three weeks, and Tom was added to the list of missing persons in Yosemite.

The Gruesome Discovery

Four years later, on October 3, 2018, two climbers, Jason Cooperman and Eric Lewis, were scaling the cliffs of Indian Canyon when they spotted something unusual on a narrow ledge. As they approached, their hearts raced with dread. What they initially thought was a statue turned out to be a human skeleton, grotesquely secured to the rock face in a crucifixion pose.

Their shock turned to horror as they discovered the words “He lied to us all” scratched into the skeleton’s chest. This was no accident; it was a deliberate act of cruelty. The climbers quickly contacted the park rangers, who arrived at the scene to confirm the grim reality. The body was identified as Thomas Roland, the missing climber who had vanished four years prior.

The Investigation

The forensic examination revealed a horrifying truth. Thomas had not died from a fall or an accident; he had been tortured. Injuries on his bones indicated he had been restrained for an extended period before his death. Deep cuts on his forearms suggested he had bled out, and the signs of severe dehydration pointed to a slow, agonizing demise.

As investigators pieced together the events leading to Thomas’s death, they discovered a complex web of deceit and betrayal. The evidence pointed toward Mark Delano, the investor with whom Thomas had clashed over the failed artifact expedition. Delano’s alibi for the time of Roland’s disappearance began to unravel, revealing gaps that raised suspicions.

Detectives delved deeper into Delano’s background, uncovering a history of narcissistic behavior and a penchant for control. They discovered that Delano had been in the Yosemite area around the time of Roland’s disappearance, staying at a local motel. Phone records showed suspicious calls to numbers registered in the park, further implicating him in the crime.

The Arrest

In November 2018, investigators obtained a DNA sample from Delano, which matched hair found at the crime scene. The evidence mounted against him, leading to his arrest on charges of first-degree murder. During interrogation, Delano initially denied any wrongdoing but eventually confessed to the crime, claiming he had intended to scare Thomas into returning the money he owed.

Delano’s confession painted a chilling picture of the events that transpired on that fateful day. After a confrontation in the mountains, he had tied Thomas up and left him to die on the cliff face, believing it would send a message. The brutality of his actions shocked the community, as details emerged of the careful planning that had gone into the murder.

The Trial

The trial began in May 2019, drawing significant attention from the climbing community and the public. The prosecution sought a life sentence without parole, while the defense argued that Delano had acted in a fit of rage. Witnesses, including Thomas’s family and friends, provided emotional testimonies about the toll his disappearance had taken on their lives.

After weeks of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts. Judge Elizabeth Marquez sentenced Mark Delano to life in prison, emphasizing the brutality of the crime and the disregard for human life. Delano’s actions had not only taken Thomas’s life but had also left a lasting impact on everyone who loved him.

Epilogue

Thomas Roland’s story serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk behind ambition and betrayal. His ashes were scattered in the Colorado mountains he loved, a fitting tribute to a life cut short too soon. The ledge where he was found became a somber landmark, a place where climbers reflect on the fragility of life and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Yosemite National Park, known for its stunning beauty, gained another dark legend, a tale of murder and betrayal that would echo through the years. As climbers continue to scale its heights, they carry with them the memory of Thomas Roland—a reminder that in the pursuit of greatness, one must tread carefully, for the mountains can hide both beauty and danger in equal measure.