Utah County, UT – A dramatic rescue unfolded Wednesday evening in American Fork Canyon after a rock climber accidentally collided with a bystander, causing a serious fall on a steep hillside, according to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office said the climber was traversing a rock wall when they ran into the bystander, who fell about 20 feet before rolling another 20 feet down a steep, rocky slope. The fall caused multiple injuries, prompting an urgent rescue response from several agencies.
According to officials, the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Aero Bureau helicopter assisted in hoisting the injured person from the canyon. Lone Peak Fire District and Utah County Sheriff Search and Rescue teams also played key roles in stabilizing and retrieving the victim from the difficult terrain.
The injured bystander was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed, but officials said the patient was responsive during the extraction.
Authorities praised the teamwork that made the nighttime rescue possible, crediting precise coordination between air and ground units for the safe outcome.
“This was an amazing effort by our combined teams,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We wish the patient a speedy recovery.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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