Body recovered from Fall Creek Falls during -13 degrees

Piney VFD

SPENCER, Tenn. (WDEF) — Several rescue agencies assisted in recovering the body of a person who was lost in Fall Creek Falls State Park. The rescue mission took about 17 hours total to complete.

Piney Volunteer Fire Department said they dispatched to Park Road near the north entrance of Fall Creek Falls at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

They found tracks in the snow leading into the woods, and crews followed those tracks to the bluff line overlooking Cane Creek Gorge.

Piney VFD

Crews had a difficult time making the rescue due to the frigid conditions, which included temperatures of -13 degrees, steep terrain and deep snow.

A Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter used a thermal imaging camera to find the lost person. Rescue personnel then dispatched to find the victim. Piney VFD said it took park rangers more than an hour to hike to that location.

Piney VFD also said the body was found at the bottom of a 700-foot bluff, which required crews to use rope systems for hauls.

Rescuers brought the victim to the top and carried them to a vehicle that would take them to an ambulance. Authorities have not given the reason to why this person was lost in Fall Creek Falls during these conditions.

Piney VFD

The Dunlap Fire Department, Chattanooga Cave and Cliff, Putnam County Rescue Squad, White County Rescue Squad, Warren County Rescue Squad, Sequatchie County EMA and rangers from other state parks all helped out.

Crews had to be swapped out for rehab and warming.

The last rescuer made it to the top of the bluff at around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

One also received treatment at a hospital for mild hypothermia. Piney VFD says they are expected to be released today.

Piney VFD