A hiker who apparently slipped off a trail and tumbled down a cliff in a Rockland County state park got stuck there overnight, but is expected to make a full recovery after his harrowing rescue Wednesday, authorities say.
More than two dozen first responders, including high-angle volunteer rescuers, swarmed Nyack Beach State Park after getting a call that a jogger had heard someone screaming for help in a heavily wooded area along the beach trail, police said. Cops arrived and the runner showed them where she had heard the yelling.
Several units canvassed the area, along with Rockland paramedics, and managed to locate the person, since identified as Mandeep Tiwana, who was reported missing by his wife the prior evening, officials say. A high-angle rescue team had to be called in for the assist, given the nature of the place where he was stuck. Tiwana was hoisted into a basket and up to a hiking trail, where paramedics treated him for non-life-threatening injuries and took him to a hospital.
It was about two hours from when the jogger first reported hearing his screams for help.
According to investigators, Tiwana's wife had called Clarkstown cops around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday to report him missing. She said her husband had left their Upper Nyack home and she hadn't heard from him. She said he typically walked in the Nyack beach area, which is where authorities launched an exhaustive search involving drones, K9s and foot patrols. They couldn't find her husband that night.
Despite the fright and frigid temperatures, Tiwana is expected to make a full recovery, even if he wasn't dressed for the cold temperatures. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for some minor abrasions as well as hypothermia and dehydration. Otherwise, he's expected to be OK.
Investigators say this case, while it had a happy ending, should serve as a reminder to people never to hike alone.
Local
Nyack Beach State Park is a 61-acre stretch of riverfront along the Hudson River in Rockland County. It's a popular spot for picnicking, bicycling and fishing as well as hiking.
