Hiker who died in fall at Crowders Mountain, NC., State Park committed suicide

A hiker who fell Monday from the top of Tower Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park in Gaston County on Monday committed suicide, Gastonia police spokeswoman Donna Lahser said Tuesday.

Police have not released the hiker’s identity.

The fatality was the second in less than a year. A 48-year-old woman fell to her death in May.

The woman’s accidental death in May was the 14th attributed to a fall at a state park over the past 10 years, not including suicides.

She had hiked with her husband and one of three daughters to The Pinnacle, the park’s highest peak at 1,705 feet. The family was reportedly posing for a photograph when she tripped and fell 150 feet to her death.

Crowders Mountain State Park is managed by the North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation. It’s two peaks are The Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain.

The mountain attracts visitors for climbing, rappelling and “bouldering,” or climbing on large boulders, which is permitted in designated areas.

Those activities are permitted at the individual’s own risk. The climbers are responsible for obtaining proper equipment and training, according to the N.C. Division of Parks.

The (Charlotte) Observer

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 12:10 PM.