Story perspectives

Climbers Rescued After 15–20-Foot Fall Near Shortoff Mountain

8/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Burke County Search and Rescue volunteers rescued an injured climber near Shortoff Mountain.
Rescue followed a 9:30 a.m. dispatch on Aug. 30 after climber fell 15–20 feet.
A volunteer ran 1.5 miles, gaining 1,000 feet, in 31 minutes to deliver whole blood.
North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team’s “Kill Devil 244” extracted the patient at about 2:45 p.m.
The patient was air-lifted to Atrium Health Trauma Center in Charlotte, reported stable after surgery.

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Story summary

Burke County Search and Rescue volunteers rescued an injured climber near Shortoff Mountain.
Rescue followed a 9:30 a.m. dispatch on Aug. 30 after climber fell 15–20 feet.
A volunteer ran 1.5 miles, gaining 1,000 feet, in 31 minutes to deliver whole blood.
North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team’s “Kill Devil 244” extracted the patient at about 2:45 p.m.
The patient was air-lifted to Atrium Health Trauma Center in Charlotte, reported stable after surgery.