Slippery Rock student survives 80-foot fall

A 21-year-old Slippery Rock University student was on a walk with friends when she slipped off an 80-foot cliff in McConnells Mill State Park on Sunday afternoon.

Jocie Van Kirk was flown to a hospital, where she is being treated for neck, back and pelvis injuries, according to a Facebook post from her sister Chelsea Lynn Van Kirk.

Brian Flores, assistant park manager at McConnells Mill State Park, said the friends were exploring off-trail by the Breakneck Falls rock climbing area — a “dangerous” area that usually requires ropes and safety equipment.

Ms. Van Kirk, originally from Pittsburgh, was walking on a sloped rock when she lost her footing around 3:20 p.m., Mr. Flores said. She tumbled 15 to 20 feet down the sloped rock before hitting a tree, which threw her down about 25 to 30 feet to the next level. There, she hit dirt — rather than jagged

rock — before tumbling 15 feet into the creek below.

Firefighters were on the scene by 3:30 p.m. Charles

Peak, assistant chief with the Slippery Rock Township Fire Department, said emergency responders found Ms. Van Kirk on rocks next to the water near Breakneck Bridge.

Mr. Flores said her three friends and other park visitors helped Ms. Van Kirk out of the water before calling 911. The local Slippery Rock

EMS crew used a stokes basket and ropes to move her to the park’s extraction area nearby. An ambulance then took her to Cheeseman Farm, where a helicopter flew her to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.

Janet Falotico, the executive director of Visit Lawrence County, said falls in the park are not uncommon.

“It’s not like going to a typical park,” she said. It’s beautiful, but “you really have to respect your surroundings.”

Charles Peak, assistant chief with the Slippery Rock Township Fire Department, said this time of year is the most dangerous, as rocks and roots are slippery.

Mr. Flores said little sunlight reaches the area Ms.

Van Kirk was exploring around Breakneck Bridge, so there’s often ice and wet conditions late into the season.

He says they recommend park visitors “know their environment” and stay on trails.