Hiker’s death marks second deadly fall at Linville Gorge this year

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A hiker did not survive after falling at the Linville Gorge Thursday, marking the second deadly fall at the gorge this year.

Officials said the Michael Ryva, 30, fell nearly 80 feet along the Rock Jock trail on the western side of the gorge.

Breaking Burke- search and rescue teams have been called to the Linville Gorge after a hiker fell along the Rock Jock trail. It is located on the west side of the gorge off of Old NC 105. Sheriff deputies just arrived on the scene. Watch channel 9 for updates. pic.twitter.com/DdEbvd39Ys
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) June 3, 2021

Firefighters and rescue teams from three counties were sent down trails of Old NC 105. Officials said they searched for nearly nine hours before finding the hiker dead. The hiker’s name has not been released.

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This is the second deadly fall at the gorge this year.

Officials told Channel 9 that already this year, they’ve responded to more than 40 search and rescues in Burke County.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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