Young Hiker Rescued After Fall at McKelligon Canyon in El Paso

On January 22,  a team of 21 people from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the El Paso Police and the El Paso Fire Department arrived at the scene of an accident at McKelligon Canyon where an 18-year-old man had fallen 25 feet.

The team carefully worked so as not to injure the man further while bringing him down the mountain after his frightening fall, while others removed his young companions to safety. KFOX TV reports, “Members of the team escorted an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old safely down the mountain while other members took the injured hiker down in a basket.” Two hours after the rescue began, the man was taken to the hospital where he doctors treated him for life-threatening injuries.

According to Visit El Paso, those who travel to McKelligon Canyon in the Franklin Mountains State Park have access to a variety of rock climbing areas varying in difficulty. Others can choose to bike, hike or take a calm stroll through the park. It’s a favored destination for outdoor aficionados in the area. Since it’s a popular park, wildlife officials are making sure to promote safety practices when climbing so terrifying accidents like these become even rarer.