A hiker was airlifted to safety after a fall in a North Carolina gorge left him with serious injuries. Emergency crews responded around 2 p.m. on Sunday to reports of a climber’s fall on Shortoff Mountain in Linville Gorge.

According to a Facebook post by Burke Rescue Inc. and SAR, the lead climber fell approximately 15–20 feet while attempting to place gear 40 feet above a ledge. The climber swung away from the wall and hit a nearby rock pillar.

The climber, identified through an online fundraiser as Jacob Gregory, received immediate attention from paramedics, who rappelled down to assess him. Additional support was summoned, including whole blood to help stabilize him for transportation. A Burke Rescue volunteer covered 1.5 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation in 31 minutes to deliver this critical supply.

Due to the challenging terrain, a Black Hawk helicopter, part of the North Carolina Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team and known as “Kill Devil 244,” was called to conduct the air rescue. This operation involved the coordinated efforts of two dozen agencies from nearby counties.

Gregory was successfully lifted off the mountain and transported to Charlotte for medical care. The online fundraiser highlighted the courage and coordination needed to carry out the rescue, thanking the responders who saved Gregory’s life.

Burke Rescue emphasized the risks associated with climbing and advised climbers to understand their capabilities and use the right equipment.