Rescue teams extract Provo Canyon climber who fell 30 feet in steep terrain near Stewart Falls

PROVO CANYON — A man climbing near Stewart Falls in Provo Canyon just before noon Monday fell 30 feet onto a ledge and had to be rescued and flown by medical helicopter for treatment.

The 23-year-old lost his footing, fell and had to be extracted by Utah County Search and Rescue teams. The victim lost consciousness for a time and suffered an ankle injury, Utah County Sheriff Sgt. Tom Hodgson reported.

"We're worried about possible concussion issues," Hodgson said. "He was having some difficulty answering questions but got better as time progressed."

Rescuers hiked and climbed into the steep area, stabilized the victim and lowered him some 200 feet down the mountain before they could get him to an area where he could be hoisted up to the waiting helicopter. That process took about three hours, and the injured climber passed out a second time before he could be flown out, rescuers reported.

A nearby climber had called 911 and stayed with the victim until help arrived.

"It's not a designated trail in that area," said Jim Dodds of North Fork Fire. "But it is a well-traveled area — a lot of people trying to get to the falls. It's very steep, treacherous, lot of rock."

Stewart Falls is on the east side of Mt. Timpanogos.

Officials expect the man will be OK.

"There are hundreds of people out here today," Hodgson said. "But if you take one false step in an area you're not familiar with, this may be the result. So we just remind people to be careful."

Email: lbrubaker@desnews.com