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Hiker pronounced dead after fall in Fond du Lac County

Posted at 8:52 PM, Jul 27, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-27 23:06:38-04

Deep into the trails at the Oakfield Ledge State Nature Area, a 911 call went out just after 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Two hikers told dispatch that their friend had fallen over a cliff.

"The terrain was rather difficult to get through and it took a little bit of time to find the victim," Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Lt. Cameron McGee said.

Investigators said that the area, deep into the woods and far from access points on the road, is rocky with thick vegetation. The victim, a 19-year-old man, died at the scene. Investigators said that they do not suspect foul play to be a factor in this hiker's death. They said it just appears to be a terrible accident.

"It seems to me that those kids did everything they possibly could do to help their friend in a very, very difficult situation," McGee said.

It's a situation that all hikers should be cautious to avoid.

"People have to be careful when they're traveling along a cliff," McGee said. "Where that occurred, it was thick, the trail was thin, but it appeared to be a well traveled trail."

Investigators said that the victims name will not be released until they notify family.