Boy, 11, survives 200-foot sliding fall in Utah

7/29/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS

PROVO, Utah  — Authorities say an 11-year-old boy has survived falling 200 feet down the face of a cliff near a scenic waterfall in Utah.

Spencer Cannon of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office says the boy was conscious and talking to rescuers before he was airlifted to a hospital Sunday afternoon.

Cannon says the boy was hiking a trail to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon over the weekend. He had taken a few jumping steps when he tumbled down a steep, rocky slope. The boy came to rest above a trail along the Provo River.

Officials say the child hurt his head, back and hip, and he might have a broken collar bone. But they say none of his injuries appear to be life-threatening.