SHARE

Hiker, 25, Dies After Fall From Mountain In Hudson Valley

A 25-year-old hiker from the Hudson Valley fell 100 feet to his death while free climbing with two friends on Thursday, officials said.

Breakneck Ridge

Breakneck Ridge

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Kenneth Steier of Poughkeepsie had been hiking Thursday along the Washburn Trail at Hudson Highland State Park, about a mile south of Breakneck Ridge, said Randy Simons, a spokesman for the state Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

The three went off the trail and were free climbing -- without ropes or other safety gear -- at the quarry when he fell onto a group of rocks below, around 6 p.m., Simons said. 

"Sadly, despite all rescue efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene," Simons said. 

New York State Park police, park personnel, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, New York State Police, Cold Spring Fire Department, North Highlands Fire Department, EM Star Medic, and Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps all took part in the rescue, Simons said. 

Breakneck Ridge, along the Hudson River between Beacon and Cold Spring, is one of the area's most popular hiking trails.

In July 2017 a New York City man died after falling off a cliff into a clump of trees while hiking at Breakneck Ridge.

to follow Daily Voice Briarcliff and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE