On July 13, at approximately 11:55 a.m., the Coconino County Sheriff’s
Search and Rescue responded to the Lava River Caves located off Forest
Service Road 171 and conducted a technical rescue of a woman who
had fallen.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, with the assistance of Guardian Medical and Ponderosa
Fire Department, responded to the Lava Caves after receiving a call of
a 43-year-old Phoenix woman who had fallen and sustained a possible
left hip fracture.

Due to the injury, the patient was unable to walk out. Rescue units arrive on scene and removed the
patient by technical rescue and a basket carry out at 2 p.m.

The woman was then transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for her injury.
Due to rocky and slippery conditions inside the cave, the patient slipped and fell which caused her injuries.

The Lava Caves are a popular hiking destination for many Sedona area residents.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office reminds all visitors, even experienced
hikers, to wear proper footwear, warm clothing and lighting when traveling in the Lava Caves.