RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK -- State police are investigating a deadly fall in Ricketts Glen State Park in Luzerne County.
They say Yuri Sannikov, 74, of Scranton was walking his beagle with a family member when he disappeared Monday night.
That family member called state park police, and soon 40 people were searching the area. The search continued all night. A helicopter was called in, too.
Tuesday morning, Sannikov's body was found at the bottom of a water fall.
"You know, it's gravelly. It's wet. The combination, you can slip," said Marie Altese of Maryland who has hiked the trails in the area many times. She avoids the area where Sannikov fell.
"I think it is surprising. I mean, just coming here and then hearing that, but I hear about it happening and people falling into water and passing away,” said Alexa Wight of Conshohocken.
Hikers say part of the falls trail was closed while state police investigated.
"We've seen paramedics coming down earlier so we didn't know what was going on when we got there. Unfortunately, come to find out that someone had passed away,” said Harold of Queens.
State police say other hikers reported seeing Sannikov and his dog walking the trails right before the deadly fall. Troopers want to speak with anybody who may have additional information.
"I think it's surprising when someone passes away. Injuries happen all the time. I think it's important to travel with a buddy and always be prepared, wear proper footwear, and just be careful, thoughtful,” said Ben Borgmann-Winter of Conshohocken.
