Tragic Incident: US man fatally falls while hiking in front of wife and children
PTC News Desk: In a heartbreaking incident near Oregon's Multnomah Falls, a 40-year-old father of five tragically lost his life while hiking with his family. The incident occurred on July 2, around 2pm, when Gerardo Hernandez-Rodriguez slipped and fell on the side of a mountain near Benson Bridge, a footbridge adjacent to Oregon's tallest waterfall, as reported by ABC News.
John Plock, spokesperson for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, expressed the devastating nature of the accident, stating, "Mom, Dad, and their five kids were all here enjoying a beautiful day. Unfortunately, a tragic accident happened. At one point on the trail, the father slipped and fell down the side of an embankment."
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Authorities suspect that alcohol played a role in Hernandez-Rodriguez's fall. While enjoying their hike, the family was confronted with this sudden and horrific turn of events. They immediately dialed 911 for emergency assistance. However, both the family and witnesses present at the scene were unable to determine Hernandez-Rodriguez's exact location after the fall.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, the Corbett Fire Department initiated a search operation to locate the hiker. Despite their efforts, it took approximately 45 minutes for rescue agencies and firefighters to locate Hernandez-Rodriguez's lifeless body.
Multnomah Falls attracts nearly 2 million visitors annually. However, it is crucial to note that hiking near the falls is not merely a leisurely walk on a paved path. John Plock emphasized the importance of being adequately prepared, stating, "This is a hiking trail. You should be prepared for an actual hike with the proper footwear."
Rick Wunsch, Chief of the Corbett County Fire Department, expressed his sorrow at the timing of the accident, as it occurred during the "first big holiday week of the summer." He lamented, "That's not the way we want to start our season."
The tragic loss of Gerardo Hernandez-Rodriguez serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers inherent in outdoor activities. Authorities stress the importance of exercising caution, proper preparation, and adhering to safety guidelines to prevent accidents and protect oneself and loved ones while enjoying nature's beauty.
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- With inputs from agencies
