ST. GEORGE — Emergency responders were busy Saturday at two separate incidents when two people fell from the cliffs at Gunlock Falls and needed airlift rescues due to serious injuries.
Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Paul told St. George News they have been “slammed” over the weekend with emergency calls for rescue services.
The first incident occurred at 11:15 a.m. involving a 43-year-old male hiking by the edge of the falls when he fell, Paul told St. George News.
“I am not sure if he lost his footing and fell or what, but he fell off the cliff,” he said.
The man fell about 25-30 ft. into the water below, hitting the rock face on the way down.
Bystanders were able to get the man to the shore. A nearby nurse came to aid until emergency responders arrived on the scene.
Paul said the patient was transported by airlift to St. George Regional Hospital with two broken legs and a possible broken jaw.
The second incident involved an 18-year-old woman cliff-jumping with a group of friends near the falls at Gunlock Reservoir. The woman reportedly jumped from a 50 ft. cliff.
Paul stated she either landed in shallow water, or hit rocks hidden by the water, with the end result being a “probable broken femur.”
“For that one, she was in an area that was really difficult,” Paul said.
The Utah Department of Public Safety Star-9 helicopter was dispatched and Washington County Search and Rescue performed a hoist rescue. The patient then was transported by helicopter to St. George Regional Hospital.
“People just need to be cautious and careful while at Gunlock Falls,” Paul noted.
He reminded those seeking the outdoors to prepare properly and take precautions, as they have been “slammed” with calls for assistance.
Other agencies responding to incidents at Gunlock Falls included Gunlock Fire Department, Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue, Utah State Parks and Santa Clara – Ivins Fire and Rescue.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement and emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Photo Gallery
Washington County Search and Rescue has been slammed lately including two fall incidents at Gunlock Falls, Gunlock State Park, Utah, June 17, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff's Office, St. George News
Washington County Search and Rescue has been slammed lately including two fall incidents at Gunlock Falls, Gunlock State Park, Utah, June 17, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff's Office, St. George News
Washington County Search and Rescue has been slammed lately including two fall incidents at Gunlock Falls, Gunlock State Park, Utah, June 17, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff's Office, St. George News
Washington County Search and Rescue has been slammed lately including two fall incidents at Gunlock Falls, Gunlock State Park, Utah, June 17, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff's Office, St. George News
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