HORROR FALL
Mom dead and injured 5-year-old son airlifted to hospital after 90ft ‘suicide plunge’ at Niagara Falls State Park
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD has been rescued after falling 90 feet into the Niagara Gorge with his mother who did not survive, officials say.
The investigation is ongoing, though New York State Parks Police Captain Chris Rola told reporters that police do not believe it was an accident.
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The woman and child were reportedly with her husband in Niagara Falls State Park before they fell, police say.
It remains unclear what might have caused the two to plunge into the gorge and police are interviewing several witnesses, including the husband.
The mother and child’s identities have not yet been released.
However, they are reportedly not from the local area, according to local NBC affiliate .
The two reportedly fell approximately 90 feet into the gorge before hitting a piece of ice near the bottom.
“It's really tough terrain that our guys and girls were able to get through and get to them and provide that life-saving care and do everything they could," Rola said.
"But as far as putting other people at risk, we're going to make every effort for that child that was still alive at the time."
First responders were able to reach the woman and child fairly quickly, Rola said, adding that the Niagara Fire Department walked along the ice at the bottom of the gorge to reach them, .
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"The State Parks Police, we have a swift water rescue team. We have high angle rope rescue guys that train all the time,” Rola said.
“Niagara Falls Fire is great. They’re excellent with rope rescue, too. As you can see, the State Police are a great partner with us and their aviation is top notch.”
He did note that the area is a “tough place to perform rescues.”
The area around the Cave of Winds attraction – where the two were found – was roped off from the public during the rescue.
The woman was transported by helicopter to a coroner's office and the five-year-old boy was taken on a stretcher up the Cave of the Winds elevator before being flown by helicopter to Oishei Children’s Hospital.
He reportedly suffered a head injury.
His current condition remains unclear.
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