© CBS 5FLAGSTAFF, AZ (CBS5) -
A rock climber fell about 40 feet while rappelling on a canyon wall in Flagstaff Monday.
The 43-year-old victim, who is described as an experienced rock climber, sustained multiple fractures and told deputies he thought some of his equipment malfunctioned, deputies said.
A tourist was watching the victim at Oak Creek Overlook near Highway 89A when he fell, deputies said.
A Sedona Fire Department paramedic rappelled down to the rock climber and other medical staff from Sedona Fire and Highlands Fire hiked down to him. The Flagstaff resident was lifted to the top of the overlook by a series of ropes and pulleys.
An air rescue was out of the question because of the poor lighting and the terrain, a search and rescue coordinator said.
The rock climber was taken to Flagstaff Medical Center. No information about his condition was released.
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