Multi-agency effort rescues injured hiker from Little Colorado River Gorge

26-year old Colorado man with serious leg injury air lifted from remote location

Flagstaff, Arizona - On March 30 at approximately 11 a.m. the Coconino County Sheriff's
Office received a report of a fall injury in the Little Colorado River Gorge west of US Hwy 89N.
Sheriff Deputies, Coconino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue, Guardian Air Transport, and Navajo Nation Police Department responded.
The injured subject who was a 26 year old male from Fruita, CO suffered a serious leg injury as a result of steep terrain and loose debris. The injury was a compound fracture to his lower right leg. Three members of the hiking group administered first aid while the fourth hiked out of the canyon to call for assistance. Due to the seriousness of his injury, remote location, and difficult accessibility, a short haul was used to rescue the patient. In a short haul, the rescuer and patient are extracted from the accident scene while suspended beneath the helicopter. Once at the top of the canyon the patient was transferred to Guardian Air Transport and flown to the Flagstaff Medical Center.
The response was lengthy due to the remoteness of the location and inconsistencies in the
reporting party’s description of their location as compared to the actual location. Hikers are
always encouraged to carry maps, compasses, and GPS units to help accurately identify their
location.