Man rescued by helicopter from cliff near state park

David Reynolds, a 27-year-old Ephrata man, is safe after being rescued April 6 from a steep area near Lake Lenore Caves State Park.

The man became stuck during a recreational hike, but was able to use his cell phone to call 911 around 4 p.m. Dispatchers were able to gather information to pinpoint his location and direct emergency crews from Grant Co. Fire District #7, Fire District #5, Grant County Sheriff’s deputies, and Washington State Park rangers to the scene. In all, about 25 emergency personnel responded to assist.

Technical rescue team members located the victim about two hundred yards from where he had parked his car in a public access area. The man was not injured, but was only lightly clothed, causing responders to be concerned as the evening weather turned colder.

The victim was not trapped, but was in a position in which he could not safely remove himself, and rescue team personnel could not safely access him. They then called for help from the U. S. Air Force at Fairchild Air Force Base.

The Air Force sent a helicopter rescue team, and the airmen were able to lower a rescue harness and safely remove the victim around 8 p.m.

The man was checked by AMR ambulance paramedics. He was cold but otherwise in good health, and went home in the evening.