A hiker is in stable condition after a fall of about 30 feet from the Lost Valley trail near the Buffalo National River.
The unidentified male hiker from Jonesboro fell the evening of July 14 while attempting to cross a rock gap at the top of Eden Falls. The hiker fell an initial 10 feet, landed momentarily on a ledge, then fell another 15 to 20 feet, according to a news release from the National Park Service.
Two other hikers assisted the man, but couldn't phone for help because there was no cellular service. The hikers walked out of the valley until they could use a cell phone to call for aid.
Personnel from several agencies went to the scene and set up a high-angle rescue to lift the injured hiker out of a slot canyon between upper and lower Eden Falls.
The hiker was taken to Compton by ambulance, then air evacuated to Mercy Hospital in Sprinfield, Mo. At last report he was in the intensive care unit but in stable condition, the park service said.
Outdoors on 07/17/2014