Images of Mildred Falls Rescue Attempt on Saturday

The family of a 24-year-old San Juan Capistrano student who died in Mildred Falls near Julian last weekend is "devastated" at his death,

Matthew David Pack grew up in West Virginia and was attending school in Orange County, according to the report. He was due to graduate in a few months. The family friend called him a "wonderful" person. Friends are leaving their remembrances on San Juan Capistrano Patch.

Late Friday afternoon, hikers coming out of the Mildred Falls area heard cries for help. The cries began a multi-agency effort to rescue Pack, whose death was confirmed the next day after he had dangled overnight in a harness he was wearing while rappelling down the falls.

Although a helicopter and rescue crews were sent to the area early Friday night, it became too dark and windy to risk sending it in close to the falls, a Sheriff's Department news release states.

A Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter responded with 70 personnel from the Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit, Border Patrol, lifeguards and firefighters from the cities of Del Mar, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe and Vista.

At 2:25 p.m. Saturday, Pack was pulled to the top of the falls and death was confirmed. He had been hanging 200 feet below in rushing water overnight. The helicopter pilot had been able to see Pack, using night vision goggles Friday night. Pack appeared to be motionless at that time.

San Juan Capistrano Patch spoke to the doctor who performed the autopsy at the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office. He said Pack died from asphyxiation.