Tragedy struck when a California man lost his life after plummeting 300 feet while hiking with his wife in Oregon, as per officials announced in a news release.
Richard Ehrhart, aged 69, was exploring the Natural Bridges coastal trail in Curry County, Oregon, alongside his wife, Susan Kimura, this past Sunday. The couple became separated during the hike, with Kimura making her way back to their vehicle, leaving Ehrhart alone on the trail.
The circumstances surrounding Ehrhart's fall remain unknown at this time.
Following the tragic incident, search and rescue team members, along with other responding officials, transported Ehrhart's body back to the trail where he was later identified.
Upon receiving news of her husband's passing, Kimura was accompanied by a chaplain for support, as confirmed by the sheriff's office.
An ongoing investigation into the incident, conducted by the Oregon State Police, was announced by the sheriff's office.
Emphasizing the hazards of hiking along coastal trails, the sheriff's office issued a cautionary message following the tragic event, urging hikers to prioritize safety in the area.
While the coastal trail is generally considered an easy route, as per AllTrails.com, known for categorizing and offering guidance on hiking trails nationwide, it features stunning views of arched rocks above the ocean. Despite its beauty, the region is characterized by perilous cliffs, prompting the site to advise hikers to strictly adhere to marked paths and designated viewpoint areas.
