Hurt hiker rescued after overnight wait

An injured hiker spent a stormy night in the central Utah wilderness Saturday before an early morning helicopter rescue Sunday brought him to safety.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office reports the man, who has not been identified, fell about 15 feet while repelling with three companions in White Roost Canyon, about 10 miles east of Hanksville. Wayne County Sheriff's spokesman Tal Ehlers said Sunday that his office received a call about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, but an incoming weather front and darkness made it impossible for rescuers to get to the man, who was complaining of a back injury after the fall.

Ehlers said a team from Wayne County Search and Rescue was staged overnight in preparation for a rescue at first available light Sunday. A Life Flight Helicopter was dispatched and hoisted the man from the canyon floor and transported him to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray.

Ehlers said the condition of the man was unknown Sunday.

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