# Matthew Clark Saves Hang Glider Pilot

> 24-year-old climber free solos 50-foot cliff to rescue crashed hang glider pilot.
- Title: Matthew Clark Saves Hang Glider Pilot · Climbing | Shortify
- Summary: 24-year-old climber free solos 50-foot cliff to rescue crashed hang glider pilot. Matthew Clark, a 24-year-old climber, free soloed a 50-foot chimney to…
- Keywords: matthew clark, steve parson, mount prevost, british columbia, free soloing, hang glider, carnegie medal, rescue, cliff climbing, paragliding, sports, travel
- Source: Climbing — https://climbing.com/news/matthew-clark-receives-carnegie-medal-after-free-soloing-to-rescue-hang-glider-pilot
- Author: Sam MacIlwaine
- Published: 2026-10-08T18:49:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: matthew clark, steve parson, mount prevost, british columbia, free soloing, hang glider, carnegie medal, rescue, cliff climbing, paragliding, sports, travel
## Rescue Mission Begins
Matthew Clark, a 24-year-old climber, heard on his radio that Steve Parson crashed into a cliff near Mount Prevost in British Columbia.
## Free Soloing the Cliff
Clark onsight free soloed a 50-foot chimney to reach Parson, who was suspended in his harness about 50 feet above the cliff.
## Rescue Details
Clark used Wilderness First Aid skills to bandage Parson’s knee and checked his vitals while waiting for rescuers.
## Rescue Timeline
Clark and Parson waited three hours for search and rescue to reach them after the crash on February 6, 2026.
## Carnegie Medal Recognition
Clark received the Carnegie Medal for civilian heroism after rescuing Parson from a hang glider crash.
## Rescue Outcome
Rescuers extracted Parson three hours after the crash using a helicopter, leaving Clark to be retrieved later.
## Post-Rescue
Clark and Parson stayed in contact, with Parson recently driving Clark to Mount Prevost to watch him paraglide.
## Carnegie Medal Details
The Carnegie Medal is the highest honor in the U.S. and Canada for civilians who risk death to save others.
## Rescue Impact
Clark’s quick thinking and climbing skills saved Parson from three hours of suspension trauma after the crash.
## Current Status
Clark continues working as an electrician in Vancouver Island while paragliding in his free time.
## Key takeaway

Matthew Clark, a 24-year-old climber, free soloed a 50-foot chimney to rescue Steve Parson after his hang glider crashed near Mount Prevost in British Columbia.