LITTLE ROCK — Married hikers who were hurt while exploring the Lost Valley trail area of the Buffalo National River are recovering at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo.
Brian Anderson, 22, and Jennifer Anderson, 23, fell separately down a slope above Eden Falls Cave about 6:30 p.m. Monday, according to a state park news release.
Brian Anderson broke his ankle and both bones in his right forearm and suffered a head injury. He was listed in fair condition at the hospital Tuesday.
Jennifer Anderson fractured both ankles and was also listed in fair condition.
It took 36 emergency responders roughly three hours to rescue the Andersons and take them to a medical helicopter waiting on Arkansas 43, according to the release. Brian Anderson was transported first because his injuries were more severe.
Brian Anderson slipped on wet leaves while trying to access a cave above the trail, falling 60 to 70 feet, the release states.
Jennifer Anderson was trying to reach her husband when she fell in the same place, according to the release.
A third person who was hiking with the couple went for help.
The Buffalo National River Search and Rescue team, made up of rangers and volunteers, used ropes to lower the Andersons. They reached the helicopter at 10 p.m.
Arkansas, Pages 11 on 10/27/2011