A tragic accident took place at Starved Rock State Park late Saturday afternoon, resulting in the death of a man. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources confirmed the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. within the Illinois Canyon area of the park, which is located roughly 90 miles southwest of Chicago. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained fatal injuries from a fall, as per the state officials.
Details regarding the circumstances of the fall and the victim are still sparse at this time. Authorities, including the LaSalle County Coroner, have conducted investigations at the park into the evening hours on Saturday, as reported by CBS News Chicago. Information about whether the victim was alone at the time of the fall or what may have led to such an incident has yet to be released.
Starved Rock State Park is a popular Midwest destination, famed for its sandstone canyons and waterfalls. It attracts numerous visitors each year, who come to hike, observe wildlife, and take in the natural beauty. However, this tragic event serves as a somber reminder of nature's unpredictable perils.
While officials have remained tight-lipped on further specifics about the victim, the accident has prompted reminders about safety when visiting natural areas such as Starved Rock State Park. In a brief statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials stated that one person was "fatally wounded." The department has not offered additional comments regarding potential safety measures or warnings following the event.
The ongoing investigation from both the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the LaSalle County Coroner's office will aim to uncover the details leading up to the fall.