ST. GEORGE —A search and rescue operation took place in Snow Canyon State Park on Saturday after a female hiker went off-trail and fell, resulting in injuries.
Deputy Brandon Lacagnina with the Washinton County Sheriff’s Office told St. George News the department initially received little information about the status or location of the patient. They only knew that it involved a female in her 20s who had possible back and ankle pain.
“I believe they went off-trail,” he said. “I think what happened is that one of the rocks she was standing on broke and she ended up falling.”
Arriving on scene, responders were uncertain if they would have helicopters to assist, so the high-angle team began hiking with their equipment to reach the Island in the Sky trail.
“Luckily, we were able to get Life Flight and Star 9 out,” Lacagnina said. “Life Flight located the patient up on top, but were unable to get to the patient due to the slot canyon and waited for Star 9 to get their crew together.”
Responders waited for the arrival of Utah DPS helicopter Star 9, who then used a hoist to lift the patient out of the slot canyon. She was transported to the incident command station, which had been set up in the Sand Dunes parking lot. The patient was then transported to the hospital by ambulance.
As far as Lacagnina is aware, the patient is doing well. He did not have further details at this time.
“If you’re going to go hiking somewhere, make sure you understand the area you’re going,” he said. “Check the maps before you go out. Understand the difficulty of certain trails and certain climbs. It’s best to go with people who have done it before, but especially if you’re not confident in the trail or your abilities, don’t go off the trail. Don’t go off the route — stay on that route.”
This report is based on statements from police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Photo Gallery
Life Flight hovers in Canyon State Park after a hiker reportedly fell and sustained injuries, Ivins, Utah, April 15, 2023 | Photo by Tim Gillespie, St. George News
Rescue teams hike Snow Canyon State Park to Island in the Sky after a hiker reportedly fell and sustained injuries, Ivins, Utah, April 15, 2023 | Photo by Tim Gillespie, St. George News
Rescue teams hike Snow Canyon State Park to Island in the Sky after a hiker reportedly fell and sustained injuries, Ivins, Utah, April 15, 2023 | Photo by Tim Gillespie, St. George News
Rescue teams hike Snow Canyon State Park to Island in the Sky after a hiker reportedly fell and sustained injuries, Ivins, Utah, April 15, 2023 | Photo by Tim Gillespie, St. George News
In a file photo, the DPS Star 9 helicopter is seen in Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins, Utah, April 15, 2023 | Photo by Tim Gillespie, St. George News
First responders are seen in Snow Canyon State Park after a hiker reportedly falls in Ivins, Utah, April 15, 2023 | Photo by Tim Gillespie, St. George News
A helicopter flies in Snow Canyon State Park after a hiker reportedly falls in Ivins, Utah, April 15, 2023 | Photo by Tim Gillespie, St. George News
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