Colorado Dad Faces Online Backlash After Son's El Capitan Climb

A Colorado father has been subjected to intense online criticism and even reports to Child Protective Services (CPS) after his 7-year-old son became the youngest person to scale Yosemite National Park's El Capitan.

Joe Evermore and his wife, Ann, are known for taking their young sons on challenging climbing expeditions. In May, their son, Joey Danger Evermore, completed the ascent of El Capitan, a feat that reportedly made him the youngest person to achieve it. The climb, which took six days, involved navigating challenging conditions such as wind storms, exposure to the elements, limited food and water, exhaustion, and the inherent dangers of the 7,573-foot landmark.

Despite the accomplishment, some social media users have voiced concerns about the safety of the child, leading to multiple complaints filed with CPS. "There’s a lot of bullying that goes on online," Joe Evermore told PEOPLE. "There are people that think, ‘Hey, your kids would be better put in a foster system’ or put in front of a television, rather than training daily for an epic mission."

Evermore explained that the family received a letter from CPS confirming that the agency had reviewed the complaints but determined there was no reason to pursue them. He believes many critics do not fully understand the risks and safety measures involved in professional climbing.

"They just don’t understand what’s dangerous and what’s not dangerous," Evermore stated. "It’s kind of like someone who says, ‘How can you go on a plane? What if the wings fall off?’ It’s like, no, you’re not even thinking about the actual dangers of the sport."

He elaborated on the safety protocols, noting that he is more concerned about falling objects when closer to the base of the cliff than when higher up. He also emphasized that his son was securely bolted to the wall during the climb, significantly reducing the risk of a fall. "I admit that there are risks, but I think the benefits far outweigh the risks. As a dad, I’m mitigating those risks with a team, with good preparation and with our own skill and our own training."

Joey Danger Evermore's climb involved using ropes to ascend El Capitan while continuously attached to the rock face. He completed the ascent alongside his older brothers, Sam and Sylvan Evermore, their father, and a documentary crew. The family resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Evermore remains confident in the family's approach, asserting, "So far, we’ve executed it perfectly."