• On Monday, Kentucky State Police and multiple other agencies rescued four Asbury University students who were stranded overnight on Courthouse Rock
• A helicopter transported the group to the local fire department, where they were “in good spirits”
• Kentucky officials, including Gov. Andy Beshear, are warning the public to be aware of the weather and avoid unnecessary travel in the region
Four college students were rescued Monday after “underestimating” the weather conditions while camping in a popular Kentucky gorge, authorities said.
The young men, students at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, were stranded when they woke up covered in snow after spending the night on a sandstone formation known as Courthouse Rock in the Red River Gorge, Powell County Search and Rescue said.
After determining it was not safe to come down, the group called for help around 9:30 a.m. local time, authorities said.
Due to the icy weather conditions, first responders quickly realized the best way to evacuate the students would be to use a helicopter, according to Powell County Search and Rescue.
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Kentucky State Police coordinated the evacuation along with multiple agencies, and shortly after 2 p.m. the men were taken to the Middlefork Fire Department where Powell County EMS personnel evaluated their medical needs.
“Other than being cold, all four students appeared to be in good spirits,” Powell County Search and Rescue said.
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First responders called the rescue “one of the most dangerous” ever attempted in the gorge, due to several centimeters of snow, wind and icy rocks.
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“Helicopters are inherently dangerous,” Powell County Search and Rescue said. “When that’s considered the safest option, you know you’re in a potential life-or-death situation.”
On Monday, officials – including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear – warned those in the area to be aware of the weather and to avoid unnecessary travel in the region.
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Source: HIS Education