Watch CBS News

Hikers Tumble 70 Feet After Cliff Collapses At Point Reyes Hiking Trail, 1 Dead

POINT REYES (KPIX 5) -- A woman who died in a rockslide at Point Reyes National Seashore on Saturday has been identified by the Marin County coroner's office as 58-year-old San Francisco resident Nancy Blum.

Blum and another hiker were in the area of Arch Rock in the national seashore around 5:55 p.m. Saturday when they reached the end of the trail and the cliff unexpectedly gave way, causing them to fall about 60 feet down the Cliffside.

The deadly accident came just days after the National Park Service issued a warning to hikers about hazardous conditions and unstable cliff side areas on Arch Rock because it was prone to crumbling and sliding. Pictures were posted along nearby trails and parking lots, as well as on their website and Facebook page.

warning posted
Warning sign posted in parking lot. (CBS)

It happened around 6 p.m. Saturday near the Air Valley Trail. According to the National Park Service, a pair of hikers was standing around the lookout area when the ground gave way. They fell 70 feet and were buried underneath rock and debris.

Fortunately, some good Samaritans nearby helped to get them out. Marin County fire, sheriff, and Park Rangers showed up to assist in the rescue.

Blum was pronounced dead at the scene while the other hiker was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with what park service officials described as serious but not life-threatening injuries.

cliff rescue
View from inside the rescue chopper of the collapsed cliff (circled in red). (CBS)
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.