Cameron Smoot Death News – A tragic hiking accident at Whittleton Arch in the Red River Gorge has claimed the life of a young man from Ohio. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 24-year-old Cameron Smoot, of Mason, Ohio, died after suffering severe injuries in a fall over the weekend.
Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Saturday when Smoot fell an estimated 40 feet from the top of Whittleton Arch onto rocks below. The sudden fall left him critically injured and in need of immediate rescue efforts. Powell County Search and Rescue was among the first teams to respond to the emergency call.
Emergency crews from several agencies—including Powell County EMS, Lee County Search and Rescue, Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department, and Kentucky State Parks—worked together in a coordinated rescue operation. When rescuers reached Smoot, they said he was conscious but in critical condition. Despite his alertness, his injuries were life-threatening due to the significant distance of the fall and the rocky terrain where he landed.
Rescue teams carried him out of the Gorge, a challenging task given the rugged environment of the Red River Gorge area. He was then transferred to Middlefork Fire Department, where he was airlifted by helicopter to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington. Despite intensive medical care, Smoot succumbed to his injuries later that day.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office pronounced Smoot dead at UK Hospital and has since taken over the investigation into the circumstances of the accident. At this time, no foul play is suspected; officials believe the fall was an accident during what should have been a recreational outing.
Whittleton Arch, located in the Red River Gorge, is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Known for its scenic views and natural rock formations, it is also an area where accidents have occurred in the past, highlighting the inherent risks of hiking near cliffs and high rock arches.
Smoot’s death serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by the natural environment, even for those familiar with outdoor activities. Search and rescue officials often urge hikers to exercise caution when exploring areas with steep cliffs, loose rock, and uneven ground, as even a single misstep can have tragic consequences.
The local community, along with fellow hikers who frequent the Red River Gorge, have expressed condolences to Smoot’s family. Many have taken to social media to share their sympathies and to stress the importance of safety in outdoor adventures.
Authorities have not released further details about the moments leading up to Smoot’s fall. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and may include gathering accounts from those who were present at the Gorge at the time of the accident.
For now, the focus remains on honoring Smoot’s memory and supporting his loved ones as they cope with the sudden and devastating loss of a young life cut short by a tragic accident in one of Kentucky’s most beloved natural landmarks.
