St. George man falls to his death while rock climbing
By Lieutenant David Crouse
Around 4:44 p.m. on May 23, our local dispatch center received a request for search and rescue at the Lone Pine Arch Trail in Washington County. The remote location is nearest to the small town of Motoqua on the west side of Washington County. The caller reported that 63-year-old Fiorenzo Marino Antognini of St. George had fallen approximately 60 feet while rock climbing in the area.
The caller indicated that a helicopter would be needed to extract Antognini. Volunteers from the Washington County Search & Rescue initially responded with Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Santa Clara-Ivins Emergency Medical Services, and Intermountain Healthcare Lifeflight crew.
Lifeflight medics were the first on scene but reported that they did not have the hoist capabilities necessary to lift Antognini. They reported that they would land in the area and attempt to provide treatment. Knowing that a helicopter with hoist capabilities would be critical to patient care, a request was made to the adjacent Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter to assist with extracting Antognini.
As medical personnel arrived on scene, they relieved a friend of the victim who was already providing medical treatment under the direction of a dispatcher. Unfortunately, Antognini succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. He was extracted with the assistance of the AZDPS helicopter, Ranger 58.
The cause of death is currently under investigation by detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives do not suspect foul play, and the body has been sent to the Office of the Medical Examiner for further investigation. Detectives hope to determine if there was possibly a medical condition that may have contributed to the fall.
Antognini was reported to be an avid outdoorsman with over 25 years experience in rock climbing, rappelling, and base jumping.
Articles related to “St. George man falls to his death while rock climbing”
Petition to reinstate terminated Dixie State University professors circulating online
Dixie State University is firing people, again — a suggestion on how to respond
Dear Dixie State University and Legend Solar: Show me the money
