UPDATE | Authorities say hiker who fell from Polk Co. falls has died
SALUDA, N.C. (WLOS) — TRAGIC UPDATE SUNDAY: | Authorities say the hiker who fell from Big Bradley on Saturday falls has died.
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Responders tell our reporter at the scene that man who fell from Big Bradley Falls Saturday is in critical condition.
The hiker in his 20s was airlifted out of the woods, put in an ambulance and transported to the St. Luke's. Authorities say the man fell at about 10:40 a.m.
George Hugg, hiker's friend, tells News 13 the injured man is from Charleston, SC.
“I turned around and I just watched him slide down the waterfall,” said Huff, explaining how quickly things happened.
Multiple agencies responded to extract the man from difficult terrain. Trail erosion in the area made the rescue effort even more challenging.
“ATV access is extremely limited now,” said Saluda Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Robert Dellinger.
FALLS' FATAL HISTORY
Big Bradley has been the site of injuries and, more commonly, fatalities in the past. In 2017, 47-year-old Lance Konstants Healy of Charlotte fell to his death.
Healy was hiking with his two daughters, and lost his footing when he stepped down to Lookout Point for a better view.
Cody Barra survived after falling around six stories from the waterfall in 2016. Barra -- and now this South Carolina man -- are the only people to survive a fall at Big Bradley in almost 20 years.
In an interview, Barra told News 13 that he felt there should be barriers at the site.
Shortly after Barra was seriously injured, Saluda Deputy Fire Chief Zach Pace spoke to News 13 about his work pressing for barriers at the ledge, which would serve as both a warning and deterrent to hikers who try to get close to the 100-foot-plus drop to the base of the falls.
Steep terrain around the falls means it can be hours before responders can reach anyone who injures themselves there, and a 100-foot drop means serious damage to the body.
Stay with News 13 online, and in our broadcasts starting at 10 p.m., for updates.