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N.C. man falls over 100 feet to his death hiking waterfall with daughters

SALUDA, N.C. -- Authorities say a North Carolina man plunged about 120 feet to his death from a lookout rock while hiking on Big Bradley Falls Sunday afternoon.

The Polk County Sherriff’s Office identified the man as 47-year-old Lance Healy of Charlotte. He was with two daughters, ages 9 and 12, at the time of the incident.

News outlets quote Saluda Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Zach Pace as saying that the man tripped and fell near Big Bradley Falls after turning around to make sure his daughters were making it down the trail OK.

Rescue crews were called to the scene just before 5 p.m. Sunday, reports CBS News’ Spartanburg, South Carolina affiliate WSPA.

Fifty to 60 people from various Polk and Henderson County agencies were on the scene to help with recovering the man’s body, which was difficult due to the darkness and treacherous terrain.

Emergency Management Director Bobby Arledge urged people to use caution and stay away from the edge of waterfalls due to the danger of falling.

Big Bradley Falls is a 75-foot waterfall in a gorge on Cove Creek near Saluda, North Carolina.

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