Man Falls 80 Feet While Trying To See Canyon At Starved Rock: Official

UTICA, IL — A 35-year-old Lake County man is in critical condition after he fell at least 80 feet in the area of the Hennepin Canyon Overlook at Starved Rock Park Saturday afternoon.

The Park City man reportedly grabbed onto a tree along a trail to get a better view of the Hennepin Canyon when he slipped and lost his grip, falling 81 feet into the canyon, Shaw Local Media is reporting.

“He’s lucky to be alive,” Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Sgt. Phil Wire told Shaw Local Media.

Fox 32 Chicago is reporting fire officials used a "high-angle rope rescue system" to rescue him.

He was taken by helicopter in critical condition to an area hospital, officials said. On social media, drivers reported being diverted from approaching the state park as the helicopter arrived to rescue the man.

It's the second serious fall at Starved Rock since the summer, when a 38-year-old Oswego man was killed.

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