This story has been updated with additional information.
A man died from injuries after falling more than 100 feet off the Salmon Creek Trail on Saturday.
Juneau resident William Milks, 64, was on a group hike. Witnesses reported that Milks accidentally tripped, lost his footing, and fell off the side of the trail, according to the Alaska State Troopers. AST received the report at 2:30 p.m. and conducted a rescue operation with Capital City Fire/Rescue, Juneau Mountain Rescue, and Temso Helicopters Inc.
The fire department reported through a Facebook post that a paramedic and an EMT were with Milks at approximately 4:15 p.m. About four hours later, an update said, “CCFR is saddened to report the hiker has succumbed to his injuries.”
The incident transitioned into a recovery operation.
In a phone call Saturday evening, Fire Chief Rich Etheridge said CCFR responded with Juneau Mountain Rescue, whose personnel rappelled down to Milks’ location.
“They started patient care, and then he went into cardiac arrest while we were on scene,” Etheridge said. “Then after they pronounced him dead, the crews worked with Juneau Mountain Rescue and Temsco to get him off the hillside.”
He said CCFR reported that Milks’ fall was estimated to be between 150 and 200 feet. His time of death was before the 8:04 p.m. Facebook update, and Etheridge said the department waited to post the notification until it was confirmed.
The next of kin was on scene and notified. The body is being sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for an autopsy.
• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz.garrett@juneauempire.com or (907) 723-9356.
