Man Falls to Death While Hiking in Catskills Park

An elderly man from Illinois tragically died after falling from a rocky ledge during a hike in a New York state park.

Jack Wersching, a 70-year-old married father, was walking along a waterfall trail at Kaaterskill Wild Forest in the Catskills when he fell onto the trail below, according to authorities.

Park rangers responded quickly and managed to rescue Wersching around 6:45 p.m. He was extricated from the trail but succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The incident is under investigation.

Wersching, who resided in Park Ridge, Illinois, was remembered by loved ones as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, known for living a life full of curiosity and adventure. His family expressed comfort in knowing he was pursuing his passions when he passed away.

Witnesses who responded to the scene described hearing screams for help. A witness, Shilo Shalom, who was hiking with his sister at the time, found Wersching injured and tried to assist by applying shirts to slow the bleeding. He noted that he and others had spoken with Wersching earlier that day and even took photos together before the fall.

Shalom remarked, “I just tried to save him and I couldn’t.”

The state police are continuing their investigation into the incident.