A 59-year-old man was rescued from the depths of Tallulah Gorge on Saturday after suffering cardiac issues while hiking. The man, whose identity has not been released, had ventured to the bottom of the gorge when he experienced the medical emergency, rendering him unable to continue his hike.

The Details: Game Wardens Spencer Palmer, TR Dooley, and Sgt. Cody Jones were among the first to respond to the scene, working alongside Rabun County Search and Rescue and Tallulah Gorge State Park personnel. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources aviation team was called in for assistance.

Lieutenant Ryan Buller, Corporal Kalem Burns, and Game Warden Matt Kiracofe arrived via helicopter and carried out the high-risk operation of repelling into the gorge to reach the distressed hiker. Once on the scene, the team quickly assessed the situation, secured the victim, and hoisted him out of the gorge.

The man was airlifted to a nearby ambulance, which transported him to a local hospital for further medical treatment. His current condition remains unknown.

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In Context: Tallulah Gorge, known for its stunning beauty and challenging trails, is a popular destination for hikers. However, its steep terrain and remote location can make rescue operations particularly difficult.

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