Image: Kent Harrison Search and Rescue / Kent Harrison Search and Rescue, Chilliwack SAR, Agassiz Fire Department, BC Emergency Health Services, and BC ambulance personnel were dispatched Monday night (Aug. 14) to a mountainous area northeast of Agassiz after a male teenager slipped and fell approximately 30 feet down a nearly-dry waterfall feet first. The male sustained injuries to his knee and tailbone but is expected to fully recovery. His family is expressed wholehearted thanks to all the rescue crews who rescued the teen, who has since been released from hospital.
Teen rescued after fall near Agassiz

Agassiz, Chilliwack first responders help rescue teen who fell 30 feet while hiking

Aug 15, 2023 | 10:19 AM

AGASSIZ — Multiple emergency personnel from several agencies in the Agassiz and Chilliwack area were dispatched Monday night to a mountainous area northeast of Agassiz after a teenager fell about 30 feet down a nearly-dry waterfall feet first.

According to a social media post Tuesday morning from a Fraser Valley company, Agassiz Fire, Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue, Chilliwack Search and Rescue, BC Emergency Health Services and Squadron 442 were dispatched after a 16-year-old male fell while he was hiking with a neighbour-friend on an Agassiz-area mountain Monday evening (August 14).

The male slipped and fell down a nearly-dry waterfall feet first. During his fall measuring about 30 feet, he hit his head and tailbone and injured his knee. The male’s friend maintained his own composure, immediately contacted his parents and then phoned 911 to alert authorities.

Multiple fire, ambulance and search and rescue personnel responded and worked to stabilize the victim and his neck in case of any spinal trauma.

Due to the challenging terrain, time of night and a dwindling amount of light, a search and rescue helicopter was deployed. The victim was safely extricated from the scene of the accident.

The family of the injured teenager is expressing wholehearted thanks to all the amazing first responders who were responsible for his remarkable rescue, and to eight other individuals who supported them during the ordeal.

“Our deepest thanks also to the amazing rescue crews: Agassiz Fire Department, Agassiz [Kent] Harrison SAR, Chilliwack SAR, BC Ambulance Service and the crew on the SAR Cormorant and BCEHS ambulance,” the family said.

Kent Harrison Search and Rescue expressed thanks to its partner agencies for their roles in the rescue effort.

“It was a long night, but we are happy to serve the community,” KHSAR wrote. “A huge thank you to all our partner agencies: Chilliwack Search and Rescue, Agassiz Fire Dept., BCEHS, 442 Squadron, and of course, the family and friends.”

The teenager has since been released from hospital.