PROVO CANYON, Utah - Crews rescued a pair of ice climbers near Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon on Wednesday.
32-year-old Meghan Arnold and 38-year-old John Lavalla, both from the Park City area, were ice climbing when Arnold fell approximately 40 feet. Lavalla tried to help, but ended up slipping himself, then called 911.
A search and rescue team arrived, stabilized Arnold, then made their way down to an AirMed helicopter where she was transported to the University of Utah Hospital in very critical condition.
"We found them at the bottom of the falls, her condition is extremely critical right now," said Sgt. Eldon Packer, Utah County Sheriff's Office. "She had some significant head injuries. It definitely is a very serious situation for her."
Lavalla was also taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Battalion Chief Tom Augustus, Provo Fire Dept., says the Bridal Veil Falls area is one of the top locations nationwide for ice climbing.
"This is one of the most preeminent areas in the U.S. for ice climbing, it's beautiful," Augustus said.
But Augustus says it is also very dangerous and ice climbers should take all necessary precautions.
