Crabtree Falls Technical Rescue

Two times in one day the Technical Rescue Team (TRT) was dispatched to Crabtree Falls, located in southern Nelson County. On the first call, our crews hiked in from the top, however never encountered the patient. It is believed the patient hiked out through the lower entrance and was transported by a private vehicle. Our crews had barely reset when the second call came in. This time there were two people who had fallen from the upper falls. The call was received at 8:16PM.

Crews had to locate, repel to, stabilize, haul, lower, treat, etc. Some team members had to complete the entire evolution in wetsuits.

One patient was flown to UVA with critical injuries. Sadly, the second patient died at the landing zone. Our thoughts are certainly with the families who have experienced a terrible loss. Additionally, our thoughts are with all of the many first responders exposed to this incident and to any citizens who may have been using the trail during our operation.

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Nelson County Sheriff's Office.

Our last unit cleared the scene at 01:10

Units on Scene:
Wintergreen Squad 1
Wintergreen Medic 176
NEMS Medic 93, Lt 93
Wintergreen Response 61
Wintergreen Chief 61
Wintergreen Chief 62
Wintergreen Captains 61, 62, 64, 65
Wintergreen Lieutenants 61, 62, 63
Wintergreen Admin 1
Piney River Vol FD, Salvage 23
Piney River Vol FD, Chief 20, Capt 22
Montebello Vol FD, Attack 71
Montebello Vol FD, Brush 73
Rockfish Valley Vol FD
Nelson Sheriff’s Office
UVA Helicopter Pegasus
Helicopter Aircare-5