Skinner's sele var mycket gammal. Här är ett par citat från två sidor på nätet:
The part that broke, called the belay loop, is designed to be the strongest part of the climbing harness, but Hewett, 34, said Skinner's harness was old.
"It was actually very worn," Hewett said. "I'd noted it a few days before, and he was aware it was something to be concerned about."
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His partner noticed Skinner’s belay loop was badly worn, acknowledged by Skinner himself. The damage was induced by an attached daisy chain, an extension device itself made of webbing. The rubbing between these components over time caused visually apparent damage.
Har du en mycket gammal sele så ska du nog inte bara låta bli att toppa i ett statiskt rep, utan du ska låta bli att använda den överhuvudtaget. I fallet Skinner var det iallafall rätt person som dog. Hans partner hade lika gärna kunnat göra ett hårt fall under klättringen och strykt med istället.