Grimes Glen - Naples

[Matt]

Man rescued from 40-foot fall in Grimes Glen in Naples

A man who was descending from the fourth waterfall in Grimes Glen gorge in Naples on Wednesday afternoon was rescued and airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital.

The man, who is believed to be in his 40s and not from the immediate area, was flown to Strong by LifeNet medical helicopter with what appeared to be head injuries, according to Naples Fire Chief Patrick Elwell who participated in the rescue.

The man’s name, address and condition were not immediately available.

Elwell said from the scene, where emergency crews assessed the man’s condition near 8179 Gulick Road, that the hiker fell some 40 feet as he was coming down from above the fourth waterfall. He was hiking with a woman and two teenagers and the woman called 911 on her cell, said Elwell.

The man fell into a pool of water at the base of the waterfall and was submerged in about three feet of water, said Elwell. Other than the head injury the man did not appear to have broken bones, he said.

Elwell said the county Rope Rescue Team typically responds to six or seven calls a year for hikers in trouble in one of the areas several gorges. This was the first call this season for Grimes Glen and the most serious injury the team has responded to, Elwell, said.

The man’s fellow hikers returned to their vehicle parked at the entrance to Grimes Glen on Vine Street in Naples, said Elwell.

The accident happened about 4 p.m

http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S3526025.shtml

[cbobcat49]

Fourth waterfall? I only know of 3.

I do hope this guy is ok!

[Matt]

They may be counting the one near the parking area as the first.

[cbobcat49]

Probably the best shot I've ever gotten of the first falls in Grimes. (August 1st)