29-Year-Old Hiker Dies at a North Carolina Waterfall After Falling 75-100 Feet, Second Fall-Related Death in a Week
The victim was identified as Astrid Angelina Madrid Ticas, 29
In another accident on July 6, a climber died in a rappelling incident at Steele Creek Falls in Pisgah National ForestAuthorities confirmed that a hiker fell to her death at a North Carolina waterfall over the weekend.
The victim was identified as Astrid Angelina Madrid Ticas, 29, said Polk County in a news release issued on Monday, July 14.
According to the county, authorities on Sunday, July 13, received a 911 call at around 1:30 p.m., local time, about an accident involving a fall from Big Bradley Falls in Saluda.
'Saluda Fire and Rescue, Mill Spring Fire Department, Polk County EMS, Polk County Emergency Management and the Polk County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene, located at the Big Bradley Falls Trailhead, 4960 Holbert Cove Rd.,' the news release stated.
When emergency responders arrived, they learned that a woman fell about 75 to 100 feet, the county's statement continued,
'Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene,' the county said of Ticas, adding that crews worked diligently to recover her body.
'As a community, Polk County extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Ticas during this difficult time,' read the statement.
No further information was given about the circumstances leading to her fall and death. PEOPLE contacted Polk County's public information officer on Monday.
'We urge the public to exercise caution while visiting local trails and natural areas,' said the county in its news release.
Ticas' death marked the second time in a week in which someone died at a North Carolina waterfall. On July 6, a climber died in a rappelling incident at Steele Creek Falls in Pisgah National Forest, located in the western part of the state, according to a news release from Burke County Emergency Services shared with PEOPLE.
'While Emergency Services were enroute, a second call was received by Burke County Emergency Communications advising that the individual had possibly drowned and bystanders at the scene had initiated CPR. Due to the challenging terrain and remote location, technical rescue teams required a significant amount of time to reach the victim safely,' the statement read.
'Despite the bystanders' life-saving efforts, the patient was pronounced deceased after emergency crews made access to the scene an hour later,' it continued.
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The victim was identified by officials as Yoseph Alabdulwahab, 25, per the Charlotte Observer.
'We express our deepest thoughts and condolences to the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time,' James Robinson, Burke County Emergency Services director, said in the news release.
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