8/13/2011 Oak Creek Canyon AZ accident

az central

Hope he is doing better, anyone know more?

from article
SEDONA - A 36-year-old Payson man was critically injured over the weekend in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona when he lost control of his rappel and fell more than 100 feet.

The accident occurred Saturday afternoon as the man and friends were in the canyon's West Fork area.

Coconino County sheriff's officials say Monday that the man who was injured fell 100 feet, struck a rock and then fell another 40 feet.

He suffered head and internal injuries.

Crews reached the man late Saturday night, but the extreme terrain complicated the rescue.

The man was taken out of the area by Sunday afternoon.

Coconino SAR did an amazing job, and I saw a report that the guy is doing better, upgraded to serious condition. While on a 350ft rappel in the West Fork of Oak Creek, he lost control and fell around 150 ft, skidding on the rock and slowed by the rope drag. He was with a group canyoneering. 1st set of rescuers took 7 hrs to reach him, including 8 raps and 3 swim crossings at night. The whole rescue took 30 people and over 2200 ft of rope. They ended up raising him 450 ft to a ledge where AZ DPS helo could short haul the guy.

A very big thumbs up to Coco SAR for getting this difficult rescue done.

wow incredible rescue efforts!