Utah Climber Slipped and Fell While Climbing a Remote Cliff
A man from Utah reportedly slipped and fell off a cliff he was climbing a cliff located in a remote area of Uintah County.
The 52-year-old victim, whose name was not revealed, was climbing up a slot near the Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery when he fell an unknown distance. The climber reportedly hit his head during the fall and caused him to lose consciousness.
Rescue Operation
A group of campers were staying nearby when they heard calls for help. One of the campers was a member of the Wasatch County's search and rescue team. They claim they were unable to pinpoint the exact location of the victim as his cries echoed off the cliff walls. They called authorities from Central Dispatch around 1:40 PM to report the incident.
The Uintah County officials launched a search and rescue operation. They sought help from a Classic Air Medical chopper. The county officials also used the search and rescue team's camera-equipped drone to locate the man.
According to reports, the helicopter crew arrived at the scene first. They were able to locate the wounded man on the cliff. However, the steep terrain made it difficult for the rescue team to reach the injured climber. The drone was launched, helping ground officers pinpoint the man's location on the cliff.
The helicopter crew from the state's Department of Public Safety was able to retrieve the man from the ledge safely. He was flown to Saint Mary's Medical Center in Colorado where he will receive treatment for head and leg injuries.
Sergeant Dustin Cheshire, who was part of the rescue operation, claimed the officers would still be working with ropes were it not for the helicopters.
"The area he was climbing in is out of the way. You wouldn't really expect someone to be climbing there," Sheriff's Sgt. Dustin Cheshire said. "If it hadn't been for the camping group with a Wasatch County search and rescue member who heard this guy yelling and screaming, it's unlikely anyone would have found him." The rescue operation took roughly five hours.
Cliff Accidents
Last week, an Arizona man reportedly died after falling from a cliff a favourite lookout spot for photographers in Kane County, Utah. According to authorities, the 26-year-old victim was identified as Ian Brisbin, an Arizona resident.
Officials claim Brisbin was camping at Alstrom Point with a friend. His companion said they slept early Friday night while Brisbin stayed up to watch the stars. When he woke up, the victim was nowhere to be found.
He searched and spotted some of Brisbin's belongings near the edge of a cliff. The victim was allegedly 70 feet below the point. The authorities were called in around 9:30 AM on Friday.
Deputies who responded to the scene declared Brisbin dead. His body was transported to the Utah Medical Examiner's Office where officials will conduct further investigation. According to the sheriff's office, the death incident appeared to be an accident.