White County, Ga. – On Tuesday evening, a local firefighter performed a dramatic mountain rescue after a free‑climber called 911 from a precarious position on Mount Yonah. The climber, whose identity has not been released, was stranded on a 20‑by‑20‑inch ledge about 260 feet above the west face of the 3,166‑foot ridge in the Chattahoochee‑Oconee National Forest.
White County Public Safety officials received the emergency call at roughly 7 p.m. The caller reported that he could not safely ascend or descend the cliff. Using a drone, authorities located the man and confirmed his exact position on the narrow ledge.
Firefighter Will Roper, a seasoned White County responder, was dispatched to the scene. Roper rappelled down the steep slope, positioning himself beneath the stranded climber. Drone footage captured the moment Roper secured the climber in a harness and attached the rope, allowing the victim to be hoisted safely to the summit.
The entire operation lasted about 42 minutes, according to county officials. Roper told FOX 5 Atlanta that this was his first real‑life mountain rescue. “I’ve done a lot with dummies and a lot with other firefighters in training, but that’s the first time that I’ve ever done it, kind of in the heat of the moment with a live subject,” he said.
Roper admitted the descent was “a little nerve‑racking” but praised the climber’s calm demeanor. The climber even joked, “Have you been rescued before? You’re pretty good at this,” prompting a smile from the firefighter.
When asked why he was on Mount Yonah, the climber explained he had previously hiked the area but chose a wrong route this time, leading to the mishap. “I’ve been on this mountain before, just took a different path and got stuck,” he said.
Roper expressed gratitude for his technical training, noting that his preparation allowed him to act quickly and safely. “I’m glad I could help someone using the skills I’ve learned,” he added.
Community response
The rescue has been welcomed by local residents, who see the incident as a testament to the dedication of White County’s public‑safety teams. County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson highlighted the importance of emergency responders being equipped with modern tools such as drones, which proved essential in locating the climber quickly.
Officials also reminded outdoor enthusiasts of the risks associated with free climbing and urged anyone planning similar activities to inform friends or family of their routes and to carry proper safety equipment.
Safety tips for hikers and climbers
- Always check weather conditions before heading out.
- Carry a fully charged cell phone and know the local emergency numbers.
- Consider using a GPS device or a personal locator beacon.
- Never attempt routes beyond your skill level without a qualified partner.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid narrow ledges when possible.
White County’s successful rescue underscores the vital role of trained first‑responders in protecting both residents and visitors who enjoy the natural beauty of Georgia’s mountains.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
