News Release

News Release Technical Rescue Occurs in Ponca Wilderness at Buffalo National River

Date: March 2, 2021
Contact: Cassie Branstetter, 870-965-2744

Compton, AR- The National Park Service worked with numerous local agencies, along with volunteers, to rescue an injured park visitor over the weekend. Late Saturday, February 27, 2021, a 60-year-old man from Bella Vista, AR was hiking with his son when he suffered an injury and was unable to hike out on his own. The incident occurred in a remote part of the Ponca Wilderness. Responding park rangers were met with heavy fog and a severe thunderstorm moving through the area. After assessing the injury, weather conditions and considering the time of day, it was decided to affect a rescue the following morning due to safety concerns. Overnight gear was taken into the hikers so that they could shelter in place.

On Sunday morning, a multi-agency rescue team met at Compton Trailhead to coordinate the rescue. To avoid a six-mile carryout, the team rappelled down a twenty-foot bluff, placing the patient into an emergency rescue basket. He was then hauled up the vertical cliff. While remaining in the emergency rescue basket the patient was then moved up 100 feet of steep terrain to the trail at the top of the bluff. Once at the trail, the patient was transported by wheeled litter approximately one mile to a waiting rescue vehicle. After safely arriving at the Compton trailhead, the patient was transported to the hospital by his family members.

This rescue would not have been possible without the collaboration of local agencies and volunteers, including the Mennonite Disaster Service, Harrison Fire Department, Buffalo National River Search and Rescue, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and the private landowner that allowed rescuers to access the scene from his property.

Buffalo National River encompasses over 95,000 acres and hundreds of miles of trails. It is important to be prepared before hiking, including being aware of weather and terrain conditions. To stay up to date on the latest trail information, learn about closures, and research hiking options please visit www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/hiking-trails.htm.


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