Firefighter plunges up to 50 feet during hike and dies on Utah trail, officials say
A firefighter died when he fell up to 50 feet on a hiking trail in Utah, officials said.
The firefighter and paramedic was hiking in the Escalante area of southern Utah Nov. 9 when he fell, Provo Fire & Rescue said on Facebook. He worked at the department.
“The loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron White is deeply felt by our department,” the agency said, adding he “was a valuable member” of the team. “His positive attitude and infectious smile were a daily inspiration. His absence will be keenly felt.”
White fell about 30 to 50 feet while hiking Big Horn Canyon trail around 6 p.m., Garfield County Sheriff’s Office told FOX13 Now.
His friends sent out an SOS beacon and called for help on the trail, KUTV reported. Another hiking group heard them and someone from the group with a medical background checked for a pulse, but didn’t find one, the station reported.
White also worked part-time with the Mapleton City Fire Department for seven years, the agency said on Facebook.
“He was a good man and will be very missed,” the department said, adding that he was a husband and father.
Several people commented on both department’s posts to share experiences they or their families had with him.
“So heartbreaking, Aaron (was) such an amazing guy,” someone said.
Escalante is about a 270-mile drive southeast from Provo.
This story was originally published November 11, 2024 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Firefighter plunges up to 50 feet during hike and dies on Utah trail, officials say."
