Slush Pile: man jumps from waterfall

2008 Slush Pile

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man jumps from waterfall

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Fla. man plunges 70 feet, dies MIKE MCWILLIAMS • MMCWILLIAMS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM • PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 12:15 AM

BREVARD – A Florida man suffered fatal injuries Sunday after he jumped from Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest, authorities said.

Witnesses say the man, identified as Ronald Conrad Brown, 49, of Navarre, Fla., had climbed to the top of the falls and jumped 70 feet into 6 feet or less of water at the bottom, according to a news release from the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

The accident happened about 2:40 p.m.

Bystanders initially helped Brown until rescuers arrived. The Brevard Rescue Squad and Transylvania County emergency crews transported Brown to the top of the falls where he was airlifted to Mission Hospitals, according to the news release. Brown died at the hospital.

Brown suffered suspected head and spinal injuries, along with broken bones, the release said. He was in and out of consciousness before he was airlifted, Brevard Rescue Squad chief Vince Stone said.

The U.S. Forest Service is investigating the fall.

Family members at the scene said Brown has jumped off other waterfalls in the past, according to the news release. The waterfall, which is located along U.S. 276, is blocked off by a fence and has warning signs posted, said Randy Burgess, U.S. Forest Service ranger for the Pisgah District.

“Unfortunately, people think they can do that kind of thing and not risk serious injury,” Burgess said. “It’s one of those unfortunate events, and we wish people would heed the dangers of waterfalls. I hate that something like this happened.”

Although Brown is from Florida, officials believe he may also have a residence in Haywood County, according to the news release.

Falls death investigation continues STAFF REPORTS • PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2, 2008 12:15 AM

BREVARD — The investigation continues into the death of a Florida man who jumped from Looking Glass Falls on Sunday and suffered fatal injuries.

Transylvania County Sheriff’s Lt. Brian Kreigsman said he requested a toxicology report for Ronald Conrad Brown. Kreigsman also said he asked the medical examiner to notify him of anything “outstanding or remarkable” while examining Brown’s body. Kreigsman said he hadn’t heard from the medical examiner as of Monday evening.

Rescuers responded to the call about 2:40 p.m. Sunday. Brown suffered suspected head and spinal injuries and broken bones, and was airlifted from the falls in Pisgah National Forest to Mission Hospitals in Asheville. Brown died Sunday during surgery, Kreigsman said.

According to family members, Brown, 49, of Navarre, Fla., liked to jump from waterfalls and had done so since childhood, Kreigsman said.

Brown also reportedly had a residence in Haywood County, though Kreigsman said he had not confirmed that as of late Monday.

Submitted on 09/02/2008

Submitted by: Arthur Grand
Reference: Asheville Citizen-Times, September 1 & 2, 2008

>> Moderator Scores <<

Candi said:
Definitely Toss: Other
I don't like keeping incidents with ongoing investigations. Add to that that there is no indication WHY he jumped. If he were suicidal, for example, that'd be an automatic toss. Thanks anyway, Arthur, and try again!

Bruce said:
Definitely Toss: Other
I agree entirely with what Candi said. On top of that, we get dozens of submissions every summer of people diving into unsafe water and injuring or killing themselves, so this borders on being too common. Thanks just the same, Arthur.

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2008 Slush Pile

man jumps from waterfall

2008 Reader Submission Pending Acceptance

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance