Silver Lake Daily Newsletter.com

Letchworth State Park:

Man rescued after falling into Genesee River gorge, sustains only minor injuries

A hiker was rescued Monday night after falling into the Genesee River gorge in Letchworth State Park.

State Park Police responded at 9:45 p.m. after the man fell near the park’s St. Helena section. Officers from the High Angle Rescue team were able to make contact with him and start rescue operations. He had fallen about 150 to 200 feet into the gorge.

The man was rescued successfully and evaluated by medical personnel for minor injuries, Park Police said. He was then ticketed.

Park police did not release the man’s identity.

“All responding Park Police members have received advanced rope rescue training and are uniquely prepared for exactly these situations,” a Park Police Facebook post reads. “Two of the members present, including the one who rappelled down to the subject, also competed in and completed the grueling, 45-mile ‘Many on the Genny Utramarathon’ in Letchworth two days prior. This is another example of the invaluable skillset Park Police possess, and their dedication to excellence.”