Hiker falls off mountain, fights for life in hospital

An 18-year-old man suffered life threatening injuries after losing his footing and falling 25 feet while hiking in McKelligon Canyon.

The El Paso Fire Department was called out to the canyon around 3:17 p.m. Sunday, after a fellow climber called 911.

The Combined Search and Rescue team was dispatched to help the injured hiker and two minor children who were on the mountain with the injured man. The ComSAR team reached the man about 30 minutes after the first call came in and immediately began medical treatment.

Members of the team escorted an 11-year-old child and a 12-year-old safely down the mountain while other members brought the injured hiker down in a basket.

The injured hiker was down at 5:18 p.m. and was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.