Kayaker taken to hospital after going over Cumberland Falls
A kayaker was rescued after going over Cumberland Falls Friday, and the sheriff is reminding people that it is illegal to try to go over the falls.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park visitors saw the kayaker below the falls Friday, and park rangers, patrons, sheriff’s deputies, EMS and fire and rescue personnel worked together to rescue the person, the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
“The individual involved was alert and talking but sustained suspected injuries” and was taken to a hospital, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office said they responded to the scene as support for Kentucky State Parks rangers.
“Please be aware that attempting to go over the Falls is criminal,” the Facebook post stated. “It puts a lot of first responders in danger when attempting a rescue in such a dangerous area. We applaud State Park Rangers for their organization and promptness to incidents at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.”
Last September, a woman who was taking photos above the falls dropped her phone and was swept over the falls while trying to retrieve it, WKYT reported at the time. She swam to rescuers and was not hospitalized, according to the television station.
And seven years ago, two professional kayakers who went viral with a video of themselves going over the falls received a citation for trespassing, according to a 2016 FOX 56 report.
