Ava teen dies from fall on Buffalo National River

September 28, 2021

buffalo_river_arkansas — This photo shows the steep cliffs of the Buffalo River in Arkansas

Ponca, Ark. – An Ava teen died from a fall while on a church hike in Arkansas. The accident occurred at roughly 1 p.m. September 25, 2021 near Lost Valley Trail at Buffalo National River. The National Park Service released information about the accident on Monday.

Newton County Sheriff's Office dispatch received a call of a fallen hiker near Eden Falls Cave on the Lost Valley Trail. The 16-year-old male was hiking with a large group from his church when he left the established trail near Eden Falls Cave and scrambled up the steep hillside near the cave entrance. After losing his footing, the teenager fell approximately 20 feet sustaining traumatic head and spinal injuries.

Witnesses conducted CPR and rendered first aid until emergency personnel arrived on scene. The teen was unresponsive when National Park Service rangers and paramedics arrived. Lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.

"The park staff and I extend our deepest condolences to this young man's family and friends," said park superintendent Mark Foust. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved and to the communities effected by such a tragedy. We are thankful for those who assisted during the incident, including the first responders, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center ambulance staff, Newton County Sheriff's Office, Ponca Volunteer Fire Department, Harrison Fire Department, Mennonite Disaster Service, and the BUFFSAR volunteers."

The terrain in Buffalo National River can be rugged and steep. Off-trail travel is often dangerous, and visitors are asked to stay on established trails to avoid injury.