Mother of Four Falls 100 Feet And Dies in Tragic Hiking Accident After Stepping Onto Weak Rock Edge

Hiking is a risky activity. That is why those who do are advised to take caution because accidents can happen. And what happened to this couple who were enjoying a hike was truly tragic. When this couple was out for a hike on March 27 in the “Bull’s Head” area of Sevier County, Utah, what was supposed to be a day appreciating nature turned into a tragic one.

Candice Thompson had followed her husband Colton on the trail. She stepped on an exposed rock edge, which suddenly gave way and sent her plummeting about 100 feet. Colton turned around and started running down the hill towards her while calling 911.

Candice was in a very bad condition when rescuers came by ground and air…

On a post, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office updated: “First responders on scene included on duty Richfield City Officers and an off-duty Sheriff’s deputy began life-saving measures. EMTs and SAR arrived and were able to transport Candice to a waiting ambulance. A medical helicopter was also on scene, but they were not able to get Candice’s vitals stable enough to be transported by helicopter.”

Candice was immediately taken to Sevier Valley Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries for the remainder of the day. Sadly, her body succumbed to her injuries.

Police Chief Trent Lloyd posted on the Richfield City Police Facebook page:
“The last couple of days have been heartbreaking for our department family. Candice has been a part of our family for most of her life. Her father and I worked many years together and Candice was always a part of that. After Russ retired I hired his son-in-law, Colton. Candice continued being part of our family as a wonderful wife to Colton. To say that there is a hole in our hearts today is just simply understated because there are just no words.”

A few days later that the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office provided an update, indicating that the collapse looked to be an accident and that the area had been degraded by the elements. The post read:

“Evidence at the scene confirms the accounts given by witnesses who were hiking in the same canyon at the time of the accident. Candice was at an edge of an overhang that was eroded away underneath. Due to deteriorating conditions of the rock combined with winter weather and moisture, Candice had been standing on a weak portion of the rock edge, the deteriorated rock edge broke away.”

The post added:
“Close examination of the cliff face and ledge show recent fractures and exposure where other edges show exposure to the weather. The Utah Medical Examiners Office has also investigated the cause of death. Their investigation at this time has not yielded any suspicious causes other than the fall.”

At just 26 years old, the young mother leaves behind her husband and their four young children. According to her obituary, the nail technician enjoyed the outdoors. She was generous and charitable. She loved spending time with her family.

Her passing has come as a shock to the community, and many people have expressed their sympathy by participating in a raffle fundraising to assist her family with their financial needs.