A father and his 1-year-old child were injured on September 25, 2026, after falling an estimated 70 to 80 feet while rappelling in the Cedar Pocket area of the Virgin River Gorge. The accident prompted a multi-agency technical rescue that continued into the night, according to officials.
Anita Mortensen, a spokeswoman for the Mohave County Sheriff's Office, stated that a family with multiple children was hiking and rappelling in the area when the father and child fell while on the same rope. While there was some discrepancy regarding the exact distance, Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire Department Capt. Larry Lydon noted the pair fell an estimated 70 to 80 feet.
The father sustained substantial injuries and required removal from the canyon in a Stokes basket, or rescue stretcher. He was eventually transported by ambulance to St. George Regional Hospital. The 1-year-old suffered minor injuries and was hiked out of the area by medics and taken to the hospital by the child's mother.
The technical rescue required assistance from several agencies, including Washington County Search and Rescue, which provided a rope team to help extract the father. A helicopter was called for an aerial assessment, but crews determined the terrain did not provide a suitable landing area. Because the incident occurred in the late afternoon, the operation lasted roughly four to five hours, finishing between 10 p.m. and midnight.
Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire Department rescuer Sarah Miller was sent into the canyon to stabilize the father before he could be removed. While the father required a technical rescue system, the rest of the family was able to hike out of the area while it was still light.
The cause of the fall remains under investigation. Capt. Larry Lydon stated that the incident serves as a reminder for those participating in technical outdoor activities to use appropriate equipment and inspect ropes and attachment systems before entering the backcountry. He advised individuals to ensure they have proper gear and that ropes are not outdated.
This report is based on statements provided by first responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
