PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Burke County search and rescue teams responded to three separate emergencies across Pisgah National Forest and the Linville Gorge area in a 24-hour period, including a fatal rappelling accident, a swimmer injury and a search for two overdue hikers.
The first incident occurred at Steele Creek Falls, where a person who had been rappelling reportedly became incapacitated and drowned. Burke County 911 first received a text alert from the scene. While rescue crews were en route, a call came in indicating that friends at the scene had initiated CPR. Because of the difficult terrain, responders needed significant time to reach the site. The individual was pronounced dead. Authorities did not immediately release the victim’s identity.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Burke Rescue Inc. said in a statement…