Deadly fall prompts safety reminders for hikers and climbers at Pinnacles Park
BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Boone County Fire Department is urging hikers to stay safe and follow protocols after a woman fell to her death at Pinnacles Park on Tuesday.
Around 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, the Boone County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about a woman who had fallen from a cliff. The department determined that the women fell 50 feet and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chuck Doss, Boone County Fire Protection District assistant chief, said that since Jan. 1, 2021, the department has responded to 14 calls at Pinnacles Park. Four of those calls involved falls from a cliff.
In 2023, another serious fall took place in Pinnacles Park, where a man fell off a cliff and was treated at a local hospital.
The park is a privately owned business under the Boone County Pinnacles Youth Foundation and, according to its website, is patrolled by the Boone County Sheriff's Office.
One regular trail goer, Kimberly Hornstein, said that the Pinnacles feel safe.
"Well, it seems pretty safe," said. "I guess as long as people are cautious and stick to the trail, it would be safe if people start going off the trail, that's, I think, where danger could occur."
The news of the woman falling to her death shocked Hornstein, who said she was surprised the park was even open after the incident.
"That was pretty scary because we were driving here and my daughter looked up, I don't know, she looked up the directions and she saw the news article that someone had fallen," Hornstein said. "We were obviously sad that someone died and we were wondering if the park would be closed. But obviously it was open and they went down the path."
Hornstein did not hike with her family due to an injury, but said to get from the parking lot to the bench seating, it was easy to navigate.
For hikers ABC spoke with in passing, three said they got lost trying to find their way back.
Doss said most trails will use blazes, which are colored markers on trees to identify what trail you are on and where the trail is leading to.
An ABC 17 reporter observed the trails covered in leaves, making it hard to see where to go, and no blazes on trees.
Doss said fall and winter is prime time for residents to get out and hike, but he said there are a couple of things hikers can do to ensure their safety on the trails.
"Know your limits, know your skill level, and there's a variety of trails at different varying skill levels throughout the county," Doss said. "Do a little bit of research before you go out."
With the seasons changing, Doss said hikers should respect the weather changes and understand what limitations come with different weather conditions.
"The trails cover leaves wet leaves on rocks is very slippery. This time of year we're starting a frost in the morning," Doss said. "The trails are going to be a little more slippery in the morning than it is during the summer."
For Hornstein, staying aware of her surroundings is an important factor in keeping herself safe on the trails.
"I always have my cell phone, and I usually bring water for hiking and just be aware of my surroundings versus being concerned with the next picture," Hornstein said.
