Tinley Park man injured in fall at Starved Rock State Park
By Susan DeMar Lafferty slafferty@southtownstar.com October 1, 2012 10:53AM
Ryan Morris, Tinley Park. Supplied photo
Updated: November 3, 2012 6:10AM
A Tinley Park man is in good condition at a Peoria hospital after falling 40 feet at Starved Rock State Park near Utica Sunday afternoon.
Ryan G. Morris, 25, was climbing a ledge at Lone Tree Canyon — a restricted area — when he slipped and fell about 3:30 p.m., said Sgt. Robert Frazier, of the Illinois Conservation Police.
He suffered multiple fractures and a back injury, Frazier said.
Morris was hiking with three friends, two from Tinley Park and one from Orland Park, who stood at the base of the canyon and watched him climb, he said.
Rescue crews from the Utica Fire Department were able to reach him within 15 minutes. Morris was treated at the scene, then transported by the Ottawa River Rescue to a helicopter, which transported him to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, he said.
Charges are pending against Morris for entering a restricted area and climbing, both misdemeanors, Frazier said, though Morris likely won’t be charged until he gets out of the hospital.
“The park is safe as long as you adhere to the signs,” he said.
Six people have fallen at Starved Rock this year, Frazier said, including two from Plainfield in June.
“When people fall and say they didn’t see a sign, they entered an area where they were not allowed,” Frazier said. “The park is well signed.”
