Hiker Plunges 12 Stories To Her Death As Witnesses Watch In Horror

A 33-year-old woman in the Australian state of New South Wales fell up to 130 feet to her death while she was hiking a mountain trail, according to witnesses.

The unnamed victim was walking along the Blue Mountains' Mount Solitary track Sunday when witnesses saw her plunge between 30 to 40 meters (98 to 131 feet), 7News.com.au reported.

Emergency services were called to the trail at around 2:15 p.m. that day after witnesses reported the fall, according to newspaper The Australian.

"Officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command, Police Rescue, and PolAir responded along with NSW Ambulance and the TOLL helicopter," police were quoted as saying in a statement.

"Rescuers were winched in and the body of a 33-year-old woman has since been recovered," they added.

Paramedics were unable to revive the woman, a police spokeswoman said.

Local police are still investigating the incident and will prepare a report for the coroner.

The victim was with a group of around five friends who were on a day trip from Sydney, 9News.com.au reported.

A similar incident happened last September when a 44-year-old pastor plunged to his death while climbing Colorado's Rocky Mountains solo.

Jeremy Fuerst fell to the bottom of a 300-foot traverse connecting the mountain range's Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle sometime on Sept. 11.

Members of the Division of Fire Protection and Control — Canon City Helitack and Custer County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) conducted an aerial search for Fuerst after authorities received a report that he did not return from his hike.

Fuerst, who appeared to have sustained fatal injuries from the plunge, was later spotted in the traverse. He was airlifted out to the Saguache County coroner on Sept. 12 after the steep terrain and difficulty in recovery delayed any operation.

Fuerst was a pastor at the Central Lutheran Church in Everett, Washington. He was described as a "well-prepared" climber with extensive climbing experience.

The circumstances surrounding his fall and death were unclear.

CCSAR has since reminded the public of the risks involved in climbing mountains alone.

"Even with the best preparation, accidents happen, and the consequences are much more severe when miles into the backcountry," the volunteer search and rescue group said in a statement.

"We advise that you research your route, know your limits, and carry enough food, water and gear to spend an extra night out at elevation," the group added.