A horseback rider was seriously injured after falling approximately 100 feet off the New River Trail on Saturday, prompting a multi-agency emergency response. First responders were dispatched around 5:25 p.m. and had to navigate rugged terrain for four to five miles using ATVs to reach the injured individual, who was suspected of having major traumatic injuries.

Due to the severity of the injuries and difficult terrain, the rescue operation involved carrying the rider on a backboard for an extended period until reaching an area accessible by vehicle. The individual was then transported to Jubilee Park and airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for further treatment. The entire rescue effort lasted about four hours, with assistance from Fries Fire and Rescue, Ivanhoe Volunteer Fire Department, Virginia Park Rangers, and Wythe County Emergency Services.