Park City man falls to death while hiking

BLANDING — A Park City man fell 30 feet to his death while hiking in San Juan County earlier this week.

William E. Thompson, 62, was hiking in the South Fork portion of Mule Canyon Monday afternoon, about 30 miles west of Blanding, looking at Indian ruins, said San Juan County Sheriff Mike Lacy.

He was climbing out of the trail along a steep incline when he fell while trying to get up on top, Lacy said. His wife, who was on the other side of the canyon, saw the accident happen. She hiked out to the highway — where she was able to get phone reception — and called the sheriff's office, Lacy said.

Search and rescue team members used a hoist to get Thompson out and transport him to San Juan Regional Medical Center where he later died from his injuries, Lacy said.

— Pat Reavy