An 18-year-old man was rescued Thursday night after suffering traumatic injuries in a 20-foot fall off a cliff at Mackenzie State Recreation Area in Puna.
Responding to the 10:25 p.m. alarm, fire rescue personnel arrived at Mackenzie State Recreation Area at 10:57 p.m. to learn an 18-year-old man had fell from the cliff’s edge while getting ready to night fish, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. Family and friends had already helped to control bleeding from multiple head, shoulder and leg lacerations suffered in the 20-foot fall to the rocks below.
The man was awake and alert despite the traumatic injuries suffered, according to the department. The patient was treated and monitored until rescue personnel were able to bring him up the cliff to a staging area where he received further treatment before being taken to Hilo Medical Center.
The Hawaii Police Department said the Keaau man was fishing with friends when he apparently slipped. The incident is being investigated as a public accident and no foul play is suspected.
The victim, whom West Hawaii Today is not identifying, was last listed in stable condition, police said.