81-year-old found safe after falling 60 feet down ravine in Fayette County

An 81-year-old man was discovered safe Tuesday by the Fayette County sheriff after he fell 60 feet down a ravine and called 911, touching off a foot and aerial search to find him, according to authorities.

Duane Foelske, 81, of Waverly, called 911 at 4:08 p.m. Tuesday to report that he was unable to get up after falling down a ravine near a quarry off Juniper Road, where he had been checking out property surrounding a cabin he owns on J Avenue, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

But Foelske’s phone disconnected before he was able to give the 911 operator any more information. The Sheriff’s Office and the West Union Fire Department responded to the area, which was more than 80 acres of densely wooded ravines, and began a foot search. The Fayette Police Department assisted with aerial drone coverage.

Fayette County Sheriff Mary Fisher found Foelske in the southeast area of the property and was able to direct a rescue team, including personnel from the Gunderson Tri-State Ambulance, to him.

The EMTs treated Foelske until he was stable enough to be carried out of the ravine, and he was transported to the Gunderson Palmer Hospital to be treated.

A news release did not indicate the severity Foelske’s injuries.

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