Hiker injured in 40-foot fall identified as Beavercreek man

State officials identified a Beavercreek man as the person who fell 40 feet and was critically injured Sunday night at John Bryan State Park.

Austin Willhelm accidentally fell down a cliff at John Bryan State Park and suffered head injuries that caused him to be taken by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital, officials said.

Authorities and rescue crews were dispatched to the state park for a person who fell down a cliff while hiking with friends just after 9 p.m. Sunday.

During the search, it took more time than usual to find Willhelm’s exact location because he was not familiar with the area, there was heavy brush and it was dark, rescue crews said.

Once he was located, it took about an hour as crews used a rope rescue to extricate him from the wooded area of the cliff where he fell, said Lt. Alex Wendt with Miami Twp. Fire Rescue.

“We have people go off trail, need rescued and sometimes rope rescued,” said Lt. Travis Martin, ODNR division of parks and watercraft.

He sustained severe injuries, according to an incident report. The injury could possibly be a head injury due to the fall, which prompted the medical helicopter to be called to the scene.

Willhelm is in critical condition, Martin said.

The other two hikers — described in their teens or 20s — were not injured in the incident.

“We definitely encourage people to use our wilderness areas — John Bryan, Clifton Gorge and Glenn Helen here in our township — and just make sure you stay on designated trails,” said Wendt.

“Let someone know of your plans and your expected return, drink plenty of water and mind your safety on the trails.”