Rock climber injured in 20-foot-fall at Devil's Lake

By Brian D. Bridgeford / News Republic

An Illinois man was taken to the hospital Sunday morning after a 20-foot fall while he was rock climbing at Devil's Lake State Park.

At 9:16 a.m., Baraboo fire and ambulance personnel were called to an area near the CCC Trail on the East Bluff, according to ambulance service Capt. Kathy Crawford. Rope rescue personnel found the 26-year-old man was leading a group of climbers when he said his equipment failed and he plummeted 20 feet. Rescuers secured him to prevent further injury, then carried him back to the top of the bluff, Crawford reported.

He was driven in an ambulance service SUV to the Steinke Basin parking lot. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to St. Clare Hospital, Crawford said.

The man, whose name was not released, was climbing in an area not designated for that activity.