Wednesday, March 31, 1999
Mariemont youth dies in fall at gorge; alcohol suspected
The Associated Press
VALERIA, Ky. — A Mariemont youth who had been rock-climbing with a friend apparently fell to his death by accident in the Menifee County section of the Red River Gorge, authorities said.
The body of Damian Jahanigan, 18, was found Sunday in the Clifty Wilderness area east of Ky. 715 near the Wolfe County community of Valeria and close to the Wolfe-Menifee County line.
It was at least the eighth such death in the gorge area since 1994. Alcohol was being investigated as a possible contributing factor, according to Kentucky State Police.
The victim and a 17-year-old friend had agreed to return to camp if they became separated, said State Trooper Ralph Lockard.
When they went hiking at about 10 p.m. Saturday, they became separated and the 17-year-old returned to camp, where he fell asleep, he told police. When he awoke and could not find Mr. Jahanigan, he called police, the youth said.
Of the 500,000 people who visit the gorge each year, about one or two people fall to their deaths, officials said. Others survive with injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to paralysis.
District Ranger Donnie Richardson said victims of falls in the gorge are typically young people who have been drinking.
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