Cleveland National Forest

Rock Climber Dies After Plunging 200 Feet in Cleveland National Forest

The victim and a companion were getting ready to rappel down a waterfall, authorities said

Authorities say a woman plunged to her death while rock climbing by a waterfall in Southern California. 

The Orange County Register reports that the woman's companion called for help about noon Saturday. 

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Paul Holaday says the two were climbing and getting ready to rappel down a waterfall in the Cleveland National Forest when the man heard clanking and her falling. 

Holaday estimated the fall was about 200 feet (61 meters). 

The rescue took hours because the area is not easily accessible and there are no hiking trails. Helicopters crews hoisted the deceased woman and her partner out of the area. 

Authorities say the two were experienced hikers and had appropriate gear. 

Details about the woman and what caused her fall were not available.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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