Yesterday at approximately 7:15 p.m. a 23-year-old woman from Dutchess County lost her footing at the edge of a cliff on top of Kaaterskill Falls and fell approximately 155 feet. The woman died as a result of her injuries.  DEC is withholding the name of the woman until her family can be notified.

A DEC Forest Ranger and an Environmental Conservation Officer responded to the scene last night. DEC Forest Rangers used a high-angle rope system and stokes basket to recover the individual early this morning.

“DEC is saddened by this tragic accident and extends our deepest condolences to the individual’s friends and family,” DEC spokesperson Emily DeSantis said. “Public safety is of the utmost concern and thus we want to remind the public that all posted signs should be obeyed and hikers should wear proper footwear. DEC continues to strongly discourage the public from straying from the well-marked trail and disregarding extensive signs warning about the significant dangers of going off the trail into areas that are steep and slippery.”

The accident is under investigation by State Police and DEC investigators. The incident occurred in the town of Hunter in Greene County.