A woman who was hiking through Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina this weekend fell 150 feet from an overlook to her death, park officials said.
Here’s What Happened
Nancy Sampson of Greer, South Carolina, was sightseeing at the park at about 12.15pm on Saturday when she tumbled over a cliff around the Glassmine Falls overlook.
After being alerted about the 61-year-old woman’s fall, rescuers equipped with rappelling gear were able to find her about 150ft below.
Her body was recovered by first responders from Reems Creek Fire Department, with assistance from Mount Mitchell State Park rangers and a Trauma Intervention Program of Western North Carolina volunteer.
The Reems Creek Fire Dept. said that rescue crews were able to “rappel over 100 feet down and locate the hiker, who had succumbed to their injuries.”
Authorities confirmed she had died as a result of her injuries from the fall the park service said in a statement.
Sampson’s husband, Robert Sampson, told the Guardian that he, her two sisters, her brother, and her nieces and nephews were all grieving deeply.
“We are glad that one of our volunteers was able to support a family member on scene,” said the organization, in a statement. “The distraught family member lives out of state and was alone following the tragic incident. The TIP volunteer went above and beyond in supporting him at the scene and helping him get back down the mountain and connect with friends who could support him after this tragic loss.”
The victim’s husband, Robert Sampson, speaking to The Guardian said he and his family were “all grieving deeply.”
“She had a huge heart and a glowing smile that everyone loved,” Sampson told The Guardian. “My heart is broken – I will miss her smile and kind heart.”
Glassmine Falls Overlook is approximately 25 miles northeast from Asheville and about three miles north of the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and six miles south of the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park.
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I am fairly sure the TERM: FALLS is a hint