18-year-old rescued by helicopter after becoming ill in Red River Gorge

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WOLFE COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — An 18-year-old man was rescued by helicopter Tuesday after becoming ill in the rugged terrain of the Red River Gorge, according to Kentucky State Police.

Kentucky Emergency Management requested assistance from the KSP Aircraft Support Branch on Aug. 25 to help Wolfe County Search and Rescue reach the man.

Because of the man’s location, the difficult terrain and his medical condition, authorities determined a helicopter hoist rescue was necessary.

KSP aviation crews, working with the agency’s Special Response Team and other search-and-rescue personnel, located the man and successfully hoisted him from the area.

The KSP helicopter then transported him to the Middle Fork Volunteer Fire Department, where he was transferred to Powell County EMS. He was then taken to a hospital for further treatment.

The rescue involved multiple agencies, including Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Emergency Management, Kentucky USAR Task Force 1, Wolfe County Search and Rescue, Powell County Search and Rescue, Middle Fork Volunteer Fire Department and Powell County EMS.

KSP credited the coordinated response and specialized rescue crews with safely removing the man from the difficult terrain.

The man’s condition was not immediately provided.