New York College Student Falls To Death During Unsanctioned Hike

A New York state college has confirmed the identity of a 20-year-old student who died Monday after slipping off a cliff.

According to an official statement from SUNY New Paltz, Katherine Vollmer was a Rochester native who majored in visual arts. She died after falling 150-feet while hiking in nearby Hasbrouck Park.

Local police have reported that Vollmer was taking part in an “unsanctioned” hike with a group of friends, exploring caves and trails in the park. The hike began around 6:30 p.m. on Monday and Vollmer’s fall happened when the group was attempting to find their way back to their cars, around 10:00 p.m. The group had by that point become lost.

Photos from the scene were published by the Daily Freeman. They show a closed road and numerous rescue vehicles on the scene.

Vollmer’s body could not be recovered until Tuesday morning. She had reportedly fallen to a place only accessible by a rope team. She was pronounced dead on the scene, having suffered extreme trauma from the fall.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to Katherine's family and friends and to the students and staff who knew her,” SUNY New Paltz President Donald Christian said in a statement.