Lucky To Be Alive: Man Falls Off 75 Foot Cliff Near St. Croix

CHISAGO COUNTY, MN — A Minnesota man is lucky to be alive after falling 75 feet down a cliff while hiking near the St. Croix River in Taylors Falls Saturday. Nicholas Edwards, age 21, survived the massive fall thanks in part to emergency personnel from both Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as several fishermen who transported first responders and emergency equipment in their boats.

Several doctors from the University of Minnesota, who were in the area for recreation, also assisted in the rescue.

After the giant fall, Edwards landed in an area where rescue was only accessible by water. Initially, rescuers thought Edwards was on the Minnesota side of the river. When Chisago County Deputies arrived, crews located him on the Wisconsin side.

First responders were able to secure Edwards to a backboard and control bleeding while maintaining an airway. He was then transported to a boat, from there to an ambulance, and lastly to an awaiting helicopter where he was brought to the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) trauma center. Edwards continues to receive care at HCMC, according to a news release.

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Edwards has a broken nose, several fractured bones, and many lacerations all over his body, according to a GoFundMe page established for him. Grant Murphrey, who authored the page, called the rescue miraculous.

"Nicholas, his family, and his friends would like to express their dearest gratitude to all the first responders who helped save his life," the page states. "It's a long road ahead for Nicholas in many respects, but he is expecting to make a full recovery."

Responding agencies included:

• Chisago County Sheriff’s Office
• Taylors Falls Fire Department
• Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin Police Department
• Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin Fire Department
• Lakes Regions EMS
• Life Link III Emergency Medical Helicopter

Image via GoFundMe