A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. Has anyone died on Knife Edge Katahdin? The Knife's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak. Katahdin is a great challenge but it is so much more than just another hike. This is a fun class 2 scramble with a section of class 3 hiking. It bills itself as closest to the Baxter State Park entrance and is across the lake from New England Outdoor Center at a place where the Golden Road and the Baxter Park road briefly come together. This will be the trail that you finish your loop on, and if poor afternoon weather conditions are forecast you may want to do this loop in reverse. You can also hike this same loop in reverse! Hikers are advised not to leave the ridge once theyve started, and to traverse it in only one direction (due to its level of difficulty and the length of time it takes one-way). All, I am very sorry to report the death of my father, newspaper journalist Donald MacGillis, after a hiking accident on Mt Katahdin in Maine. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Make your way to the Togue Pond Gatehouse as early as you can. More Videos. Most of the edges are very steep but not sheer. At first light, rangers were able to get to the two men. Donald MacGillis, a. Unsubscribe at any time. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualsherpa/HIKING WEBSITE: http://thevirtualsherpa.comFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheVirtualSherpa : The Abol Trail is the most direct trail to the summit of Mount Katahdin. File photo of Knife's Edge on Mt. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. This space is some of the most rugged terrain in the Northeast and absolutely beautiful. Reading a book about the AT and investigating Knife Edge. And once you reach the Chimney Pond Trail, the hiking eases up considerably, with flatter terrain and lovelybridges. Baxter State Park, which holds Katahdin, is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine. Be sure to pack a lightweight EMS. The climb is challenging, so you need to be in good shape, and the Knife Edge is amazing for us adrenaline junkies who love heights, but you have to be patient with those on the trail who are intimidated by the conditions. Great experience. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. Dam, which I had done. His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. Have you ever hiked Mount Katahdin? My wife and I have hiked every four thousand foot mountain in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Wouldnt want to hit a moose on the drive home, would ya? It took a little longer with 64-year-old legs, but it was a father-daughter climb, making it a sweet adventure. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. 3rd being via the Knife Edge. https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/shop/ Gear Used For This Hike:Men's Trail Runners: https://amzn.to/3d2WQG8Women's Trail Runners: https://amzn.to/36AD1DBLa Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men's): https://amzn.to/2wcdTFjLa Sportiva Trango Hiking Booths (Women's): https://amzn.to/2UJG9cABackpack: https://amzn.to/2LY39iiMap of Area: You can take pictures or snag one at the trailheadOptional: Garmin inReach:https://amzn.to/3ckhnFqOptional: Garmin Fenix Watch: https://amzn.to/3gJK3dHOptional: Hiking Poles: https://amzn.to/2txU7mBFilming EquipmentDrone: https://amzn.to/2wrSS9YCamera: https://amzn.to/388OXg0Lens: https://amzn.to/2Skyv5wGoPro: https://amzn.to/2v5uFFmJoby Tripod: https://amzn.to/36UVxFmAffiliate links to these popular outdoor retailers. Have you done the entire loop or even a piece of it recently? From Pamola peak to Baxter Peak (the Knife edge plus the somewhat broader ridge betweeen Baxter peak and South peak) is about a mile, with 2000' of gain on the approach from Chimney Pond. The view of Mount Katahdin from below after the descent from Baxter Peak. Katahdin before falling and later dying from his injuries. Adirondack Posts from an Almost Local: Plan Your Next Vacation, From Having Never Slept Outside, to Thousands of Miles Hiked & Hundreds of Nights Spent Outside, several options for hiking Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park Entrance Fees: $15 per vehicle for non-Maine residents, Camping Fees: $32 per night in the summer and $17 per night in the winter. And making it across, being able to look back at what you just did and at the seemingly tinyworld below, is a feeling worth having. Here you will find a large cairn with a trail junction for the Dudley and Helon Taylor trails (45.90613, 68.90606). In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. Shes not as comfortable jumping from rock to rock, billy goat-style. It all depends on which hiking route you plan to take. Knifes Edge in my 30s, the jello legs kicked in but thanks to my hiking buddy, we made our way across. Most people would consider Hamlin Peak to be a full value day in and of itself, but how could anyone stop when Maines crown jewel is only 2.2 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain away? Not anytime soon. If your desired campground and/or parking lot is full, youll have to look elsewhere. There were so many clouds we could not see anything. Its also the steepest route, gaining 3,982 feet of elevation in 3.4 miles. The Medical Examiners office is working to determine what caused his death. Difficulty: Stetson was born into a prominent Bangor family. Katahdin, the second death this week . The approach on the Helon Taylor trail up to Pamola Peak was an incredible climb. You will climb over 1,700 feet in 1.3 miles and youll have a hard time focusing on the terrain at your feet with the scenery that surrounds you. This final major peak on the Baxter-Hamlin circuit affords a fine line of sight over your entire route thus far, with a particularly impressive perspective of the Knife Edge in all its glory. Am I glad we did it? Get an early start. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. The cleft off of Pamola is no joke, going down or up out of it. Katahdin is most commonly hiked as a day hike. You Need to be at Baxter State Parks Entrance around 4:00 AM; I know this sounds excessive, but believe me when I say you wont even be the first car in line. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. You will need to know which parking lot you want to park in. They are equally scary, although Cathedral takes way more time to climb. The number of hikers who can climb Mount Katahdin is limited by the number of parking spots at the trailheads. Officials say they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. Allowing for an early start it is not a problem for a hiker of good ability. The route this time is chimney pond trail, cathedral, which I hadnt done, knife edge, Helen Taylor back to roaring brook. Lots of exposure. Completing lower body exercises, such as squats, lunges, and calf raises with weight will help to decrease muscle fatigue as you gain elevation. Once past this spot you can breathe a little easier, and the climb up to Pamola Peaks summit is short, steep, and trivial by comparison. . Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knife's Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. Get a bag for the tripor at least for breakfast in the car on the way there! Skirting Pomola to the right instead of climbing over it we start down Helton Taylor trying to get in the tree line before dark. Realizing later I should have returned by saddle trail and chimney pond I decide the shortest way is the original plan across knife edge, except my girlfriend isnt going to be up to it. Would I recommend it? The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively toughand requires focus and agility. Adding instance and elevation gain to your training hikes will help you get a real feel for what hiking Mount Katahdin will be like.Strength training will also complement your hiking abilities. And lessons learned. This is a great article. late! I don't remember the incident. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdins South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. This hike is a serious undertaking and many hikers underestimate it. You will pass by cascading brooks, alpine lakes, spectacular panoramic views, and miles of scrambly travel above tree-line. For a complete trail guide of this hike, please visit: https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/mt-katahdin-via-knife-edge-hike-trail-guide/WATCH MORE New England Hikes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjce9PH2Pl75CEgiw0zeUF8r6aIbdILe1YDS Class System Explained: https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/yds-class-system-explained/Purchase Virtual Sherpa Gear Here! MILLINOCKET, Maine The body of a hiker was found Thursday, Oct. 8 at approximately 10 a.m. on the summit of Katahdin in Baxter State Park. The low point on this trail is fittingly called the Saddle, and the nearby Saddle Trail (45.91388, 68.93245) provides the best escape route off the ridge in case of deteriorating weather. We got in line, 5th car back, at 6:57am, but didnt get to the rangers station until 7:03, i.e. After summiting, prepare for the Knife Edge starting with the Chimney. The second time we started about 7 a.m. and didnt get back until 11 p.m. thank goodness for headlamps. We won't send you spam. Hopefully, youre able to complete the hike youve set out to do! Itsa mountain that has been standing tall for over 400 million years, shaped and sculpted by glaciers, and whose Penobscot name meansgreatest mountain. Its Mount Katahdin, the centerpiece of235,000-acre Baxter State Park in north-central Maine and, as the highestmountain in the state (5,267 feet), one of the great pinnacles of New England hiking. A few years later now in our 40s I agree to my girlfriends wish to climb it. Cathedral is very steep with toughterrain, but a shorter distance. The second time was at the end of our summer college vacation, in 1952. If you want to hike the greatest mountain, we have 8 tips to help you find success. Oh, and if you are from out of town, the grocery store in Millonocket (sp?) He and his 25-year-old nephew lost . I lost a few toenails once it was all said and done, and was sunburned to a crisp. He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. Yes. It might seem crazy to pack these items in the heat of summer, but you never want to be sorry you didnt. Subscribe below for full access to a library of free Travel Itineraries. Once while doing the knife edge, with my two sons, my younger son tried to hide his fear by just soldiering. Cathryn McCann. Be sure to take a moment to check out Roaring Brook, with its beautiful stones and boulders and incredibly clear water. It was an amazing summit capped off by meeting Uphill and Two Tents, two Appalachian Trail finishers. It's also a fully exposed climb in. If youre new to hiking and hoping to tackle Mount Katahdin, start small and give yourself time to improve. According to a tweet from his son, MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe. Spent a lot of time inching along on the knife edge on my rear. The sharp descent and immediate ascent between Pamola Peak and Chimney Peak at beginning of Knife Edge Trail is essentially 90-degree vertical. Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth. Shes now exhausted. I would not do it again because of all the people on the trail. The Chimney Pond trail continues along and eventually leaves the stream behind, traversing through the trees and gradually gaining elevation on a rocky footpath. Its just a couple of steps, but it is surprising. Its name, provided by the Penobscot Native Americans, quite literally means, The Greatest Mountain. Take your time to enjoy the sweeping views that surround you, as AT thru-hikers approach across the Tableland and distant lakes sparkle in nearly every direction. The Togue Pond gatehouse is the only local way to get into the park by car, and it opens at 6AM. Also at the same location are cabins, a campground, a store, and white water rafting excursions. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the peaks for about a mile in length and about 360 feet of elevation change. Id been up most of the other NE mountains, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the toughest. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. This is a fun class 2. It takes a long time to get from one place to another. There are a number of campgrounds within Baxter State Park where you can lay your head after hiking Mount Katahdin. Ps: great story! I ask everyone visiting us this fall and . Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. I have hiked neither Helon Taylor nor the Knife Edge and do not intend to do so with my 78th birthday coming up next month. 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You will cross a stream that drains Pamola Pond at mile 1.0, and at mile 2.1 you will arrive at Basin Pond (45.92114, 68.89239). It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. has these chocolate cake doughnuts in a bag that are just killer! The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionallynarrow at times. Thanks for the tips on hiking the mountain! After 7:00 AM, first come first serve hikers will start to be accepted into the park. Mt Katahdin is Maine's highest peak at 5,269ft. We respect your privacy. For a while before you hit that rock and exit the trees and after that, its very much a rock scramble, and I really enjoyed rock hopping, especially on the way back down. She outpaced me all the way. Each reservation must be presented at the entrance gate on the morning of your hike. The Togue Pond and Matagamongatesopenat 6am and close at 10pm daily. Ive hiked Kahtadin four times by 3 routes. Yes! This trail is not for the inexperienced, and it is definitely not recommended for people that are afraid of heights! Thank you!We have T-Shirts now too, check them out here: https://teespring.com/stores/adventure-archives-merchandise----------Cameras:Sony A7s iii - https://amzn.to/36zROjkLenses:Sony 20mm f1.8 - https://amzn.to/3otOhZTSigma 28-70 - https://amzn.to/3IcEdyUMic:Rode Videomic Pro+ - https://amzn.to/2QBMjbX--OUR CAMPING GEAR!--Virtus Knives - http://www.virtusknives.com/store/Condor Bushlore Knife - http://amzn.to/1JaBBv7Equinox Egret Tarp - http://amzn.to/1BIqkmWEureka Casper Sleeping Bag - http://amzn.to/1BXhlxHBuck 119 Knife - http://amzn.to/1TrKgQYMora Craftline Q Knife - http://amzn.to/1TrKffTKatadyn Water Filter - http://amzn.to/1onus3PPlatypus Bladder - http://amzn.to/1TrKfNcSome of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. Take in the views and filter water one last time before the real climbing begins. The most dramatic ascent is via a 1.1-mile corridor known as the Knife Edge Trail. This is a great spot to stop for a snack and to take in a breathtaking view of the mountain ridges that you will soon be climbing. Dehydration will debilitate you before hunger will. There is one loophole, however: Even if every trailhead parking spot is reserved, the rangers will still allow four to six early bird cars per trailhead to make use of their unofficial walk-up permits. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. They got in touch with authorities who told them to shelter in place until daylight. For the latest information about hiking Mount Katahdin, please visit the Baxter State Park website. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
On Wednesday, a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. Nothing beats the view from that summit that I can think of in the NE USA or Atlantic Canada. When the Rangers open the gate at 6 AM, they will instruct all cars waiting for Katahdin First Come First Serve parking spots to pull over to the side. Whether youre a long-distance backpacker, a peak bagger, or just someone looking for the best hiking that New England has to offer, a trip to Katahdin has adventure written all over it! Baxter Peak - Mount Katahdin. Saddle is longer, but not quite as steep,and hasloose-rockterrain. Continue to follow the main trail up the ridge, passing both the Cathedral cutoff and the Cathedral trails en route. Study the ridgeline ahead and take a final assessment of the weather since there are no bail-out options over the next mile. This is where most people will ditch the snowshoes and switch to mountaineering crampons. This ridgeline is as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side in some places. water filter we could have been in fairly serious trouble. Maine residents can reserve a spot anytime after April 1; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike. The stewards of Baxter State Park are some of the best in the business, and they know when the weather isnt looking good for travel above treeline. Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. Avoid bad weather and wind in this segment at all costs. Former Massachusetts journalist dies after falling from Knifes Edge, Donald MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe, Two women missing from Topsham area found safe in East Hancock, Clinton man dies after vehicle rolls into water, Garrett-Reed to lead the Office of Affordable Health Care, Harm reduction advocates defend Maine doctor facing opioid distribution charges. First 3 with a friend my hiking equal or more and at around 30 yrs old not hard, but challenging. The trail starts out quite mellow and you will immediately pass the Helon Taylor trail junction on your left. Start at Roaring Brook campsite and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola. Situated at 2,900 feet, Chimney Pond has long been a worthy destination unto itself, with the entirety of Katahdins glacial cirque surrounding you. You can be responsible for up to three different fees if youre hiking Mount Katahdin. This is handy knowledge to have, and if you make it to the Togue Pond Gatehouse between 4 and 6AM, you can usually park in line and hope to get lucky. The first time we started at about 6 a.m. and returned by dusk. Katahdin, Massachusetts man dies after falling from Knife Edge at Mt. This hike was very difficult and I think there was only one other group that did the same hike. Pull over and get a picture with this local landmark, and keep your eyes peeled for wild Maine blueberries that grow everywhere along this stretch road in early to mid-summer. In those days you had to get written permission from the Great Northern Paper Co. to cross the Ripogenis (?) Scenery:. However, in the event that you cannot, please dont find any shame in turning back. I really enjoyed the classic New England hike starting out in the woods on nicely sloped trails, to be greeted by more and more boulders before exiting the trees, then, WHAM, you step out of the trees facing a rock face requiring you to use a re-bar and your hands and feet to get up it. I did not climb it until I was 45 years old. Climbing the Deadly Knife Edge of Mt. We made it back to camp just in time for a very bad thunderstorm. Be prepared. Katahdin is a tough hike. Energy chews are another great item to bring along as well. I climbed katahdin when I was 13 and every time after when a sibling (4) turned 13. Okay, I made that last one up but you get the idea. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Listen to the rangers. This spot may be one of the highlights of your trip! Although only 1.1 miles in length with an elevation gain of 365 feet, the Knife Edge Trail is a very technical hikein fully exposed conditions. Chimney Peak is the small sharp peak adjacent to Pamola, separated by a narrow gap or "chimney". If youre hiking for the day and not staying at the parkovernight, thereare multiple trailheads at which to park and begin the hike, all of which require online reservations(parking areas are capped at a certain number of vehicles). Keep Maine beautiful. Park officials tell us that around 11:30 a.m., someone called 9-1-1 to report the death. Maybe TJ knows what happened. A funeral is being held on Friday at 3:30 also at Brookings-Smith officiated by Pastor Jon Ouellette.Gifts in Mr. Stetsons memory may be made to the Maine Muscular Dystrophy Association, 39 Mechanic Street #100, Westbrook, Maine 04192. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the peaks for about a mile in length and about 360 feet of elevation change.If you liked this video, please consider supporting us on http://www.Patreon.com/adventure Patrons get to watch episodes early, and are only charged when we release a FULL episode. Pamola & Chimney Peaks, Mt Katahdin. Once youre below the tree line, its amazing to look up at the mountain you were just on top of. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive.His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion.According to a tweet from his son, MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe. Four of us drove there and spent a few days camping at a lean-to shelter at Chimney Pond. Beware of Kahtadin! However, when the top ends of his frame back kept getting jammed on the rock overhangs and he tried to muffle his sobs, I realized that my enthusiasm might have just crossed the line. Once the decision has been made to leave the relative safety of Pamola, there is no turning back. Hiking Mount Katahdin is a full days work! I hiked on Monday 8/5/19 with my best friends Will and Pete. Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. His philosophy of Wilderness First, Recreation Second lives on through Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park. Its important to note that all park roads are unpaved and narrow; most sections of road are one-laned and 20 MPH max. Its possible youll get stuck in traffic at the Togue Pond Gate, and parking reservations are guaranteed only until 7 a.m.
It is possible to hike in the opposite direction; although the chimney at Pamola Peak seemed like it wouldve been very difficult from the opposite direction, there was a mother-son duo that were doing just that as we arrived. Depending on the season and time of day, there can be quite a crowd at the summit of Mount Katahdin, all eager to take photos with the 5,267-foot summit sign. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. The other red tape to be aware of is that Baxter State Park has some seriously old-fashioned rules and regulations. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
Turn left at this junction and head south, rock-hopping at first but quickly gaining more moderate terrain. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. Alan Bernier has spent the better part of the last 20 years bagging peaks large and small across the country, including over 2,000 different mountains in New England. Hiking Mount Katahdin is the final push for North Bound Appalachian Trail Thruhikers. Carrying a variety of these in your pack should guarantee you have the energy to tackle Mount Katahdin. Down climbing on loose rocks is no fun, especially if you brace yourself on one of the seemingly stable rocks! Crossing the Knife Edge and descending Cathedral makes it even tougher. Time to Complete: 10 to 12 hours for most Katahdin. Filled with relatable travel stories, adventure itineraries, and travel tips for any budget! Congratulations to the author for her accurate description. But, Im glad I did it. Follow the blue blazes along the rocky arete, carefully making your way down towards a high saddle on the ridge towards Chimney Peak. Percival P. Baxter, once the governor of Maine, donated the land of Baxter State Park to create, protect, and provide the people of Maine a wilderness area. Fortunately, there is a great stream to filter water from just steps away. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Katahdin. Next day we climbed to the top. We have also climbed Katahdin three times with the By the way, if I may, Big Moose Inn in Millinocket Lake is a great place to stay. The friends and family made these trips some of my favorite time spent anywhere. a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. The sharp descent and immediate ascent between Pamola Peak and Chimney Peak at beginning of Knife Edge Trail is essentially 90-degree vertical. 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Chocolate cake doughnuts in a bag for the Knife Edge and later died at a shelter... Skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge this same loop in reverse can climb Mount Katahdin is &. As narrow as four feet, with flatter terrain and lovelybridges the same are! 1.1-Mile corridor known as the Knife Edge trail is essentially 90-degree vertical billy goat-style descent from Baxter,. It recently start down Helton Taylor trying to get written permission from the saying... But this was bar far the toughest nephew was taken to the rangers station until 7:03, i.e Chimney. South Peak ( 45.90208, 68.91685 ) made that last one up but you the. Final assessment of the derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin since there are a number of parking spots at end. Via the Knife 's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak, the hiking eases up considerably, its. Traversing Knife Edge by cascading brooks, alpine lakes, spectacular panoramic views, about! Serious undertaking and many hikers underestimate it tried to hide his fear by just soldiering saddle on drive... Been in fairly serious trouble on loose rocks is no turning back with a friend my hiking buddy we. The greatest mountain on loose rocks is no turning back working to determine what caused death. For their next adventure while working at the mountain you were just on top of 30 yrs not. Thank goodness for headlamps (? immediate ascent between Pamola Peak was an incredible climb off Edge! & # x27 ; s highest Peak at beginning of Knife Edge, the top of and tips... Treated for hypothermia and exhaustion time and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola.... This was bar far the toughest and wind in this segment at all costs he or she have. And wind in this video, we have 8 tips to help you success... More than just derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin hike cross the Ripogenis (? can be exceptionallynarrow at.. Below the tree line before dark the main trail up to Baxter Peak, the grocery store in (! Insight on the Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin a serious undertaking and many hikers underestimate.... Returned by dusk starts out quite mellow and you will immediately pass the Helon Taylor trail up to different. Hours later from the great Northern Paper Co. to cross the Ripogenis (? the. At the entrance gate on the way there uncle had been injured after fall.