Minnesota woman critically injured in Utah waterfall climb

A Minnesota woman visiting Utah for volunteer work is in critical condition after falling 40 feet while attempting to climb a waterfall. Sophie Hillmeyer, 19, of Duluth, Minn. volunteers with AmeriCorps and was hiking with two coworkers at Waterfall Canyon near Ogden.

The Weber County sheriff's office said Hillmeyer was climbing near the waterfall when she slipped. There are signs in the canyon warning people not to attempt climbing near the waterfall.

"My understanding is while she was climbing, a rock came loose from under her foot, she lost her footing, and that's where she fell," said Lt. Brandon Toll. "Those conditions are very dangerous in that area because of the loose rock, the slippery conditions. It's just not a real good idea to climb around those."

The helicopter dispatched to evacuate Hillmeyer from the canyon couldn't initially reach her, so rescue crews moved her by gurney about 150 yards. The total rescue operation took about 90 minutes.

Hillmeyer injured her head and arm and was conscious but not alert when she was transported, according to the sheriff's office.