One person was injured late Saturday afternoon after falling from a bluff at a Missouri Conservation Department area known as The Narrows, authorities said.
Rescue personnel were called to the Little Piney River side of the bluff west of Houston, where Ben Cook, 17, was reported to have fallen. The area is off Highway Z.
Members of the Houston Rural Fire Department were called to assist. They used a rescue basket attached with a rope to lift the victim.
Among those on the scene included EMS from Texas County Memorial Hospital, the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Cook was transported by ambulance and then airlifted by a medical helicopter from a landing zone after a rescue that lasted more than an hour. Relatives report he sustained a concussion, no broken bones and no internal injuries.
Cook is the son of State Rep. Bennie Cook and his wife, Amanda.
“This rescue was a great example of multiple agencies coming together to accomplish one task, rescue an injured hiker,” said Robbie Smith, Houston’s fire chief. Several off-duty police and deputies also assisted.
Awesome job to the multiple agencies who responded and rescued the young man.
I’m glad Ben wasn’t hurt as bad has could have been. Thank goodness for that tree that broke his fall.
So proud to call this place home, and to call these people friends. Great job to ALL that assisted, we love you all for loving our kid and caring for him like he’s your own. Thanks Again!