At approximately 6:40 p.m. the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched regarding a fall from the cliff area of the trail. When deputies arrived, they spoke with a young man, who said he and two females went swimming in a pool on a creek about one mile from the road.
They were climbing up a cliff and used a rope that had been previously placed by other hikers. The victim, 21-year-old Toni Bedwell, slipped off the rope, striking her head and facial area before she fell to the ground. One report said she fell 30 feet and another said 60 feet.
The other female stayed with her, while the young man went for help.
She suffered injuries to her face and head and the rescue and extrication took about three hours. Rescuers set-up a four rope system and cleared paths with chainsaws to help with getting Ms. Bedwell extricated quickly. Since the terrain was so steep and rocky, the rope system was a quick and safe way out, officials said.
Ms. Bedwell was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital by LifeForce helicopter.
Officials said Ms. Bedwell "sustained possible traumatic injuries."
Jeff
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