Photo: ROMAIN COSTASECA / AFP / Getty Images
A 70-year-old man from Illinois, Jack Wersching, died after falling from a rock ledge at Kaaterskill Falls in the Town of Hunter, New York. The incident occurred just after 6:15 p.m. on Friday (June 20). Wersching fell onto the stone steps of the trailway below, sustaining severe injuries. Despite life-saving efforts by responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by the Times Union.
The New York State Police and forest rangers from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) responded to the emergency call. According to Spectrum News, Wersching was a resident of Park Ridge, Illinois. The DEC expressed condolences to Wersching's family and acknowledged the efforts of first responders.
Kaaterskill Falls, a popular hiking destination in the Catskill Mountains, has seen several fatalities over the years due to its steep and slippery terrain. The DEC has implemented safety measures, including warning signs and guardrails, to prevent such incidents. However, the falls continue to pose risks to visitors, as noted by the Democrat and Chronicle. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.