CLIMBER RESCUED BY HELICOPTER IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK SATURDAY

A rock climber who fell in Joshua Tree National Park Saturday was rescued by Sheriff’s deputies in a night-time helicopter hoist. According to the Sheriff’s Department, Angela Guo of San Diego was climbing in Ryan Canyon when she fell about 150 feet and was suspended in mid-air by a rope about 150 feet above ground level. Park Service rescuers responded about 5:30 p.m. and they determined Guo was still conscious, but they were unable to reach her to bring her down. They called in the Sheriff’s helicopter, 40 King, which arrived about 6 p.m. While the helicopter hovered overhead, Deputy Wayne Hess was lowered about 115 feet to Guo, who was trapped in a small crevasse. Hess placed Guo into a rescue harness and they were hoisted from the scene. The entire rescue was performed in darkness with the use of night-vision goggles. Guo sustained moderate injuries during her fall and she was taken to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs for treatment.