Hiker, 19, airlifted to hospital after cliff fall at John Bryan State Park

A 19-year-old hiker who fell 40 feet in a cliff fall at John Bryan State Park on Sunday night suffered head injuries that caused him to be taken by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital, officials said.

>> CareFlight requested to single-vehicle crash in Champaign County

Authorities and rescue crews were dispatched to the state park for a person who fell down a cliff while hiking with friends just after 9 p.m.

The hikers were reportedly on their way back to the car when the fall occurred, according to officials.

Rescue crews say during the search it took more time than usual to find the hiker’s exact location because he was not familiar with the area, there was heavy brush and it was dark.

Once crews located him, it then took roughly an hour as crews used a rope rescue to extricate him from the wooded area of the cliff where he fell, said Lt. Alex Wendt with Miami Twp. Fire Rescue.

The hiker, whose name was not released, suffered multiple extremity injuries and a possible head injury in the fall, prompting the medical helicopter to be called to the scene.

He was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital. His condition was not immediately known.

The other hikers, described as in either their teens or 20s, were not injured.

“"We definitely encourage people to use our wilderness areas - John Bryan, Clifton Gorge and Glenn Helen here in our township - and just make sure you stay on designated trails,” said Lt. Wendt.

“Let someone know of your plans and your expected return, drink plenty of water and mind your safety on the trails," the lieutenant said.

We will continue to update this story as additional details become available.