Fall and BlackHawk Chopper Airlift in Linville Gorge Wilderness, NC

With Jeremy's approval......this is the video of the aftermath of his fall and survival. Also the Blackhawk helicopter airlift.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area North Carolina.
Stay vigilant.
Shug

[@boulder89984]

You guys were what he needed. Brought in the Calvary, gave first aid and kept his spirits up. First class job!

[@shugemery]

Quite the day that was. He sure was a tough feller out there. Chopper crew was THE BEST.

[@duenge]

For a few years now, I have come to Shug's videos for fun and games......Thanks for posting this, it gives us pause to what can happen out in the Piney Woods. it doesn't have to be cliffs or raging waters to get us into trouble......Injuries can happen to anyone, anytime, in the least expected ways. Level heads were with that young man that day....Good job to all of you!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

All I keep thinking is how lucky he was to not be hiking alone. A lot of us go solo. This kinda accident could have been a death sentence even after surviving the initial fall. Carrying a Spot or other communication device is always a good idea too. This is definitely a wake up call. I'm glad you guys were there and able to get to him and call in the chopper. Wow! Thanks for sharing this video.

[@TheshowoflifeMe78]

+KdawgCrazy I do a lot of Solo as well.... I figured out pretty early on that the Gorge is not the place to do so IMO.. Appreciate the thoughts! Stay safe out there!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+The Carolinas Backpacker Chronicles get well soon brother. Our prayers are with you.

[@AnthonyRosen]

Good call. Time to invest in Spot.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Anthony Rosen I really need to get one too.

[@RidingMann]

just stumbled across this... in the moto world, there has been a constant debate on this issue. Not just what brand but, also whether the device should be on the bike, luggage, gear, person, etc. I personally (yup, here comes my opinion lol) like the Delorme InReach. It allows 2 way communication (would be ideal here if he were solo, could say "I'm screwed, need medevac, helo only with XXX coordinates) between not only family and friends, but also emergency personnel. It isn't as cheap as SPOT but, it seems to work better than spot (I've had both). CB - I'm sure youre aware but, youre a lucky man. Wasn't your time to go. You'll be healed up and hiking again soon!

[@WrongwayProductions]

we almost lost a great man that day,it's sad that he has to be the reminder of what we don't talk about enough , many have stated many of us go solo , and this is not a place for such ideas , brother shug I'm so glad you handled sector 7 as well as you did , that navigator needs a rescue medal , and that pilot needs a raise, lastly everyone involved needs a salute . thank you shug for the reminder, glad he is recovering well.

[@otakop67]

Shug, as a former PJ and a SAR Medic this is what we do. I'd sincerely appreciate permission to share this with my group. It isn't often we get to see things from the patient's perspective. Thanks for posting this & hope you friend is on the mend and will be back in the gorge again soon.

[@shugemery]

+otakop67 Please do feller. Also www.nccrimecontrol.org/Index2.cfm?a=000003,000010,000487,001721

[@TomsBackwoods]

Crazy in the gorge! Best wishes and a speedy recovery! Thanks for sharing!

[@tfranks4]

Hi, this is Bush* from the forum. I had the pleasure of meeting Carolina Backpacker last year, great guy! That looked like a close one. You know scars always have better stories that tattoos. Never heard anyone say, "Well, I got this tattoo when I fell off a CLIFF!" Here is to a speedy recovery my friend.

[@TheshowoflifeMe78]

+tfranks4 thanks for the warm thoughts... looking at the incisions... the almost line up perfectly to be either rim of the gorge... Gorge map Tatt... hmm. At least I'd always have one on me right ;)

[@couz10]

Holy cow!! One lucky and tough guy. All the best to him and good for you guys to have taken such good care of him.

[@DixieLiving]

Heal quickly! Great job Navigator! That man was very fortunate to have you scrambling up and down that gorge for help! Hickery Brothers make every outing better! Thank you Lord for sparing that man's life!

[@HeartPumper]

I love to hike solo. And it's a grim reminder how situation can change in a split of a second. So happy that everyone returned with the shield, not on it. Great respect for airborne brothers keepers & all you guys, who were the first to help!!

[@mousetek]

Wowwww. Tough and lucky. Heal fast, Jeremy!! Well done on the rescue everyone. Very impressive and a wonderful team effort.

[@RobGb100]

Brett sounds like a squared away young man, first down and led the medics in during a stressful time for anyone. The medics that hiked in are often least mentioned but do so much. The Blackhawk SAR crew did a very professional job in not just high winds but very awkward terrain too. You (Gorge Rat) guys worked as a team and turned a possible tragedy into a positive result. For all the above reasons thank you and Jeremy, with best wishes for a speedy recovery, for sharing this experience. atb, Rob.

[@uptrail7169]

Thank God that he was with a group. It makes me think about my solo trips and how I need take the extra time to be safe. We wish him a fast recovery. All of you guys did great! I was on our local Rescue Squad for 8 years.

[@TheshowoflifeMe78]

+uptrail71 I think there are areas that are perfectly safe for Soloing... The Gorge is not one of them in my opinon. I've done a few official trails solo but it has to be a group for e if there is scrambling to be involved

[@uptrail7169]

That's very true! Linville Gorge is a very long drive for us so I haven't done any research for that area yet. It looks like a beautiful area.

[@user-si6qj5ug2x]

wow everyone was amazing,Navigator is a mountain goat,CB is tough as cheap jerky,the pilot is a Jedi,the first responders look like they did everything right,the tarp the first-aid,wow,you people sure have each others backs,and you all deserve a clap on yours, thanks

[@belgrademachine]

Wow! like others have said I'm sure glad he was ok. Also, makes you back up and appreciate the age we live in ... cell phones, helicopters, modern medicine. Thanks for sharing!

[@mattg2935]

Wow, wow, wow! That chopper pilot did an amazing job. Thanks for sharing Shug. Godspeed CB.

[@Hiker63]

Yet another reason why I have my Delorme InReach Explorer EPIRB strapped to me at all times. Thanks for showing this Shug. Prayers for a quick recovery.

[@shugemery]

+Roaming Gnome Thankee.

[@rls303]

Truly amazing anyone could survive that fall, Good job Shug and crew

[@TadTheTinker]

absolutely incredible! shug, thanks for sharing. heal up Jeremy! As a First Responder I know just how awesome the job done by everyone involved. from shug and the gang taking care of him to the rescue crew on the ground do and the nerves of steel in the chopper pilot. thank you all.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for putting this up shug, it's a reminder to us hikers that we are not indestructible though we may sometimes think that when we are out there living in the moment. Jeremy I hope you have a speedy recovery.

[@shugemery]

+Outdoor Adventures Too true.

[@mikemazz8838]

Wow. He was very lucky to say the least. Thanks for letting Shug share. You never really think about it happening to you out there. Very big eye opener.

[@scottspringer4263]

Praise God he came out of that alive! I pray he has a speedy recovery! He is 1 tough backpacker. Thank you for sharing, that is a great reminder of how important every step is.

[@TheDroopYJ]

Thanks for sharing, Shug. Amazing bit of flying and care for Carolina. All the best, friend.

[@lckeeper1]

What a tough, tough guy. That is a ridiculous fall. Thanks for sharing, Shug, and reminding us to keep vigilant in the piney woods. Stuff like that can happen at anytime, to anyone. Wishing him a speedy recovery. Props to Hicks and the crew for stabilizing him so well. And what amazing chopper flying in those winds!

[@bryanr.3241]

This was a HUGE lesson on why we should not hike alone. This could have turned out worse in so many ways if he were alone when he fell. Very well could have been days before he was found. Anything can happen to the best of us , no one is exempt to failure !!! Hope he heals fast and thanks be to God for all you guys who hiked down to give him aid. God Bless

[@artistabigailmarie]

Bryan Resch telling people not to hike alone is like telling people not to drive to work and risk getting in a car accident, or not to go swimming alone because you could drown. Accidents happen and the best thing to do is to be cautious and prepared.

[@GreatLakesBackpacker]

Sad to see that a fellow backpacker was so badly injured, however, I'm happy to learn that he will pull through and make a full recovery. It just goes to show that during crisis scenarios, one of the greatest necessities is to remain calm, think clearly and act decisively. So many people make bad situations worse by panicking. Shug and the rest of the guys deserve some recognition for their vital role in this rescue event. Great job, everyone!

[@JohnnyGasque]

That's South Carolina tough right there y'all. Best of luck healing up Jeremy and thanks for the video Shug.

[@shugemery]

+Johnny Gasque Yessir Ya'll!

[@TerryC69]

Here in Tennessee, I only live a couple of hours away. I had seen the headline about a man needing rescue out of the gorge. I knew that you and Hickory were hiking, and I did wonder if you were some how involved. That drop and roll should have...grace, man. Pure grace!

[@MNgunhead]

God bless that pilot. He did a great job keeping that chopper steady in those gusty winds. Amazing. I'm glad you shared the footage and really glad he's okay. Scary stuff.

[@EconoChallenge]

Great story. Really makes you think about your own travels through the wild. I am really glad this story looks like it is going to have a happy ending. I am glad you shared this with us. Do us some good to be reminded of how careful we need to be at all times. Thanks Shug!

[@shugemery]

+EconoChallenge Changed my outlook on thinks for sure

[@Bradyvilleboy]

I also hike alone often. I'm glad he is ok and I'm glad he had you guys with him.

[@scottc9377]

I don't always fall off the side of a mountain. But when I do...I will make sure I'm with the Hickery Brothers! Well done to all. Shug, you do a tremendous service to this entire community by showing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Perhaps a follow-on video could be some lessons learned from the ordeal, how you used your safety gear, and if there was any gear you wished you had with you. Again, thanks for what you do.

[@scubaguy5455]

Dang, he surely is one lucky fella! Good Lord was with him on that one! Shug, y'all did an excellent job getting help and securing him till they arrived. Being an Eagle Scout, I can tell y'all have had some previous scout learnin! What an adventure he'll be able to look back on. Thanks for sharing!

[@shugemery]

+Diggin & Fishin Scout training comes in handy. Plus, I can weave a basket!

[@6bluestrings]

CB is a good guy. I'm sure glad he's gonna be ok. The pilot and crew of the blackhawk all earned their PhD (professional hover degree). 2 BIG thumbs up to those guys. Thank You for being "Shug on the Scene"! And Hickery on the Hill too!

[@shugemery]

+6bluestrings Scary crazy day!

[@MkmeOrg]

Super glad you were all there to assist. Amazing job by everyone and especially the patient. Well done all. Thanks for sharing this one. Could have definitely gone another way. Damn fine job Gents.

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Wow. Crazy!!! Best wishes. It really goes to show you that "sometimes" we can get a little to relaxed out on the trail within the wilderness. It's a good wake up call for the rest of us. I hope this fella heals up and recovers good so that he can get back to normal. Thanks for sharing the vid Shug.

[@shugemery]

+jstevens2010 Believe me....he was not relaxed. Just an accident. The power of the mountain is huge.

[@IrishKitty1024]

This is a reminder that matter how experienced one is, the wilderness can and will always throw you a curve ball. Just Survive Somehow. Good luck J.

[@TheshowoflifeMe78]

+IrishKitty1024 JSS #positiveattitutdehelps

[@atommachine]

Good Filming, Good Support, Be safe out There.

[@NorthCountryOutdoorGuys]

Thanks for sharing, Shug. Best wishes to CB for a quick recovery. Keep us posted.

[@joelstoeltzing4979]

Proud to say I ran into Carolina Backpacker today on Rock Jock trail. Almost exactly a year later. Awesome to meet you, CB. Glad you are out doing what you love.

[@shugemery]

Good to hear that for sure!

[@ssiewnad]

Thank you Shug for sharing..... So happy he survived!

[@ssiewnad]

I watched it twice those winds are crazy! That rescue team was top..... Hats off to them. Wish I could buy them all a beer!

[@spye3141]

Shug, thank you for sharing- a friend of mine had a close call on California's Lost Coast a few months ago. It was a good reminder to stay aware and be prepared. Glad to see that your buddy will be all right!

[@bethtraynham5365]

So glad we got to see this lucky gut!!!!We love you!!

[@strayxray]

Incredible. Good job by you guys and the rescue team.

[@66rellis]

Glad to hear your friends will make it to hike another day. The Chopper crew is known as the HART team "High angle aquatic rescue team". The are awesome. I have train with them on occassion and im glad they were there for you guys. They are composed of NC National Gaurd, NC Nighway Patrol and NC Emergency Management. Stay Safe my friend. Thanks for sharing.

[@shugemery]

+Ronald Ellis Steady on They.

[@bill1595]

Quite an experience, glad to see it worked out for him, and so kind of you and the gang being there to help keep his spirits high. Great Job, I applaud you guys! Gotta love those chopper pilots that can keep that bird in one spot with winds like that! Amazing! -Bill

[@shugemery]

+sasquad da'great Amazing day.

[@stevescope1037]

Caught this on the news that night. Wow! Hope you have a quick recovery Jeremy, so glad your gonna be ok. Thanks Shug and all the Gorge Rats, you guys are the best!

[@PawPawMountain]

Shug keep us up to date on you buddy! God is with Him! Great footage, stay safe my friend!

[@zjenji]

I'm sure we've all had our close calls, when you look back and think "that should have killed me." Very few get to tell this mans story, though. Great stuff Shug. Godspeed.

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

I am so Glad He Is OK, Prayers to Him and All Of You On A Great Job

[@indycharlie]

Was a medic in RVN and have done a few extraction's by repelling in . This pilot is freaking AMAZING !!! Glad they got him out !!! Great job gentlemen !!! Back in my day we had basket's and jungle penetrator's . Wouldn't of wanted to be the man going down in that wind and dealing with all the rock face !!! Once again , great job !!!

[@shugemery]

Yessir....he sure does! From the Gorge Rat with stones.......kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5u7dJiGgah4qqc

[@pwoodpaw]

That Linville Gorge is the most rugged terrain east of the Mississippi. I had a friend who was with a group planning to go down one side and up the other in one day on a day hike but the river was raging and they could not find a place to cross. They got too far off the path looking for a place to cross the river and they all wound up spending the night without sleeping gear. I grew up near the Gorge in Lenoir and I do love that country but it pays to be safe. So glad he made it thanks to the Lord and to a lot of good friends and that amazing rescue crew!

[@shugemery]

It sure is. Why we love it and never bore of it. Give us more of it!

[@thathikingguy]

Man that is scary I have been to that exact area. Thanks for sharing this Shuge. It's a great reminder

[@medestar]

He is one tough guy, and you guys did great keeping things calm, and keeping him comfortable.

[@shugemery]

+Steve Burmeister (medestar) Thankee. All we could do. Glad Hickery had the space blanket. He always carries it.

[@scruff_uk]

Extraordinary stuff. Wishing CB the very best and speedy recovery. Thom

[@mickerdoodle51]

Well done. You are a great friend... I enjoy your stuff. I much about in the bush thru you..

[@texaslonestarrider]

Lucky Man! Glad he's okay! Looks like you all kept your heads straight and got him out safely!

[@RallohE]

Thanks Shug ... glad to hear and see second hand that our friend was OK. Spoke with him on Sunday in the hospital .. always the Gorge Rat! Gotta love Jeremy for a lot of reasons. One of the best ... and dang tough for sure!

[@shugemery]

+RallohE Have not heard much from him the last couple of days. Glad you saw him.

[@RallohE]

+shugemery Well didn't see him but did talk on the phone!

[@peacenow7618]

Really informative and an excellent demonstration of brave teamwork by everyone. I'm glad all of you and Jeremy are safe now. Thanks for sharing!

[@Mahalalel3]

Glad everything turned out relatively well in Sector 7. As far as always hiking with others and not alone I think you got to do what you got to do sometimes. Beautiful rugged country. Love to be there for awhile. Thanks for the video Shug and best wishes to Jeremy.

[@TheshowoflifeMe78]

I hike alone... I love it. just not in Linville Gorge.

[@felixferrer5779]

Hey Shug! Thanks for sharing and reminding us that the mountain shall not be fear but respected, you never know what can happen. Pretty scary day! Glad you guys are all good. Regards from Sweden!

[@shugemery]

+Felix Ferrer Whoooooo Buddy....too true.

[@WVCubDad]

Well done Gorge Rats! Kudos to all who assisted in the rescue, especially the Helo SAR Crew. Prayers out to CH and his family for a speedy recovery!

[@onecurl]

Get well soon, Jeremy, and come back stronger! Man, Shug, I'm used to thrilling entertainment from you, but this one was quite, well, special. Be safe out there, all. Cheers, jochen

[@survivewithout]

i was on the edge of my seat the whole time. this is always on the back of my mind when im out

[@cabinman]

What an amazing rescue and survival! Glad he is alive and relatively well! We'll be seeing training for that scenario this weekend at the S Cumberland gorge where they'll be flying in and out a lot so it hits home why it's important to be prepared!!! Go Carolina Backpacker!!! get well quick!

[@rickdobbins5297]

Wow, I'm glad he's ok. I hope he has a speedy recovery and thanks for sharing.

[@craftedworkshop]

Leaving for the Gorge tomorrow. Just missed you! What a harrowing experience you had. Sounds like a nightmare.

[@BeachBow]

One lucky guy!! Surviving the fall, then having a great pilot and rescue crew to pull him out. Hope he recovers soon and gets back to climbing!

[@CoolBreeze0432]

Glad to see you guys took care of CB he was in good hands and tough as nails! just by watching the vid i won't forget that gorge is beautiful but can be dangerous! Over and out ! Mistone.

[@StickmanWilmingtonNC]

Thanks Shug for the post! Jeremy Godspeed to you in your recovery. My buddies an I have hiked the gorge and in fact I crossed paths with, I think hickory, who awarded us with Gorge Rat patches. Jeremy, again praying for a quick recovery for you. Regards, Stickman

[@shugemery]

+StickmanWilmingtonNC Whoooooo Buddy)))))

[@julessanchez9216]

So glad that your doing better my friend, God was with on that day !! I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best !

[@wellsgb1957]

Great video Shug's , hope your friend has a speedy recovery! All you guy's did great. Well done!

[@TheshowoflifeMe78]

Thanks for Posting this Shug.... I promise less excitement out of me next hike

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

Dude... That was crazy... I don't know ya but I sure am glad it wasn't worse!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

+Carolina Chris Outdoors --- Hey Man, did you do a video a while back under a different channel name about a hammock hang on Goat Island on Lake Greenwood??????????

[@TheshowoflifeMe78]

+Carolina Chris Outdoors yes. Changed up the name I have tagged for social media outlets because the CBC just fit better imo

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

+The Carolinas Backpacker Chronicles --- Man, I live in Greenwood!

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

very scary situation. Hope everything works out well for him and his recovery. Thanks for sharing and it's a good reminder to all to be careful out back like that!!

[@nobbybravoalpha1870]

Holly cow! One tough cookie there Shug glad he's going to be ok although very sore good job by all you guys and those rescue guys are true heroes every day of their lives be safe out there ATB Nobby

[@MobileCabinWorks]

That pilot IS a badass! Perfect hover during hoist in those canyon winds?!

[@TheshowoflifeMe78]

+A Johnson Really hope I get to see the Blackhawlk team again... I owe them a beer at the very least!

[@rucksackcircus4328]

it still chills me thinking about it. the tree climb is a sketchy area. thanks again for finding my water bottle.

[@shugemery]

+thomas rogers Yessir PR. Navigator found it. Hope to hike with ye' again.

[@riverrat1149]

+thomas rogers If this is the guy that lost to gravity,God bless in your healing .

[@rucksackcircus4328]

+River rat no I'm not the one who fell it was my good friend I was hiking with the group

[@JoeOutdoors]

Glad he is okay. Please keep us up on his recovery and let him and his family know we are all pulling for him to get back out and beat that spot!

[@erikgiggey4783]

wow, thanks for sharing and hope he has a full recovery.

[@justaguyokay]

Wooo buddy!! Ouch! Great job as a videographer, encourager, and tarp holder ;-). CB was blessed to have such a great group around him when he fell. This should make people think twice about solo hiking in steep/rough terrain.

[@shugemery]

+justa guy We had a big group. Lucky thing.

[@larryconley6801]

Thanks for sharing this Shug. The news reports really didn't do the event justice. CB is a very fortunate man and lucky he was with you guys. Swampfox

[@shugemery]

+Larry Conley The news was very generalized for sure. It was nice to meet you feller.

[@crazybear357]

heard about this on local news here in Greeneville TN. crazy how now watching the footage. thanks for sharing

[@TacBlades]

Omg, he was lucky other people were around. He is one tough dude. You guys did a great job. Stay safe out there :)

[@trezentzerbit]

God Bless shug... your an awesome dude!!!

[@PeteSeeker455]

Wow, so glad he's OK! You guys handled that major emergency super well- way to go! That 18 y.o. sure has a good head on his shoulders- I'll bet he's a Boy Scout! He'll go far, as you have and will continue I do pray. Pete D.---

[@shugemery]

+PeteSeeker455 He is a scout!

[@MrWinger1951]

So glad you finally were able to do the Foothills Trail, but am sorry for the experience you had in the Linville Gorge. When you recover from the ordeal, please post your video of the Foothills Trail endeavor. I love that trail and it is, or was, a hidden treasure. Not too many years ago there would have not been a Rescue extraction of that sophistication.

[@TheTed169]

Jasus H E double hockey sticks... I fly every year and never had to deal with that. kudos to you and yours for a wonderful outcome!

[@danlynmc]

Wow! Hate to see that happen but speedy recovery and great filming Shug!

[@Scotch5ailor]

Revisiting this video after all these years. Epic. Blessings and positivity to you all!

[@shugemery]

Yeah...what a day. He got himself a brand new knee now.

[@SuperUncleRyan]

One of those days that makes you appreciate the cajones of first responders. God bless the men and women who put their lives on the line to save others.

[@aecuellar]

Hope Jeremy is doing better!!! I saw the area you guys were in when Jeremy fell on your Finale video. Wow!!! that looked like a very technical and scary area. I can't believe he was actually talking after that type of fall. Continued prayers and good vibes for you, Jeremy....

[@shugemery]

+Tony Cuellar He is on the mend.

[@EatCarbs]

Scary! I hike alone quite often too.. If I had fallen like that.. I've got no one with me to go for help. Thanks for the sobering reminder to be careful out there. Hope his recovery is speedy.

[@TNtreasurehunter]

Great video some times we all need a reminder that things can go wrong. You guys did great stay calm as possible and be prepared

[@shugemery]

+TNtreasurehunter It is a dreamlike situation.

[@mynineridesshotgun]

Also great work done by the paramedics that hiked in and the helicopter team. A lot of respect to all of those professionals.

[@shugemery]

+mynineridesshotgun Burke County EMS and www.nccrimecontrol.org/Index2.cfm?a=000003,000010,000487,001721

[@Shanecoffeyoutdoors]

Wow! Glad that everything worked out for the best. He'll be back. What a tough dude!!

[@ergot57]

Thank Jeremy for allowing this to be shared. Glad he is ok. Flown in many a Huey and Loach but Blackhawks were before my time. Whup whup whup is the sweetest sound going home. Not so much going in. Again glad he is going to be ok.

[@shugemery]

+ergot57 Good to hear it coming and going that day...though I suppose your story is a bit different! Thankee from all.

[@scottyhollifield7024]

A lot of people are worried about wildlife gettin em not the mountain. Great job!!! Happy he's OK.

[@TurtleBushcraft]

That was amazing thank god hes alright and thank all of you for taking care of him till help got there

[@denischasse3567]

Wow ! Quelle émotion shug 😟 j'espère que le rendonneur vas bien ! En passant bonne fête d'avance shug 🎂🎂🎂🎩🎩🎩toujours appréciée!

[@shugemery]

+Denis Chassé Merci!

[@clinchleatherwood1012]

Wooo Buddy! God bless you guys. Stay safe out there.