An Allegheny County woman fell from the top of a waterfall in McConnells Mill State Park on Sunday.
Park Manager Dustin Drew said the incident happened about 7:30 p.m.
“She was at the top, or near the top, of Kildoo Falls when she fell from the top of the waterfall to the bottom,” Drew said. “It’s roughly 30 feet.”
Drew said that particular area is very rocky- it’s where the Kildoo Stream flows into the Slippery Rock creek. Rescuers had to rappel down to reach her and bring her back up the hill.
“She was extracted using a Stokes basket, which is often used in rescues where access is difficult, and ropes,” he said.
The woman- who was described as being in her early 30s- was then flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital. Her current condition is unknown. Her name has also not yet been released by authorities.
—
Sunday’s incident is a stark reminder to visitors of McConnells Mill State Park to stay on the marked trails.
“As beautiful as McConnells Mill and the Slippery Rock Gorge is, there are inherent risks and Sunday’s incident was unfortunately a grim reminder of that,” Park Manager Dustin Drew said in an interview on Monday.
The woman who fell from the top of the park’s Kildoo Falls was reportedly trying to take a picture when she slipped.
McConnells Mill State Park is located across the Butler County border in Lawrence County but is a popular spot for local hikers and sightseers.