Rock climber seriously hurt after falling on Tom's Thumb trail
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - A woman who reportedly fell 30–40 feet while rock climbing on Tom's Thumb in Scottsdale is in serious condition.
Scottsdale Fire says crews from multiple agencies worked together on Memorial Day to rescue the 34-year-old woman, who was wearing a helmet at the time of her fall.
Firefighters used a helicopter to reach the woman.
Scottsdale Fire says a group of seemingly experienced rock climbers were ascending up the steep rock face, equipped with the proper harnesses and rope, but something gave way.
"One of the members of the group fell, approximately 40 feet, on to her back, down onto a rock ledge," said Andy McDonald, Scottsdale Fire Deputy Chief.
Initially after falling, the woman was unresponsive. Members of her group rushed to call 911, meeting technical rescue personnel from multiple agencies at the bottom of the trailhead.
Witnesses recall what they saw once first responders began arriving.
"We were up there hiking and at the top of the trail. We saw a helicopter."
"Looks like someone had to be airlifted out."
"We just heard somebody yelling, like someone had fallen or something."
A woman who reportedly fell 30-40 feet while rock climbing on Toms Thumb in Scottsdale is in serious condition.