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PROVO — An 11-year-old boy who tumbled an estimated 200 feet down a steep rocky slope Sunday while hiking near Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon was expected to be released from the hospital Monday.
Cesar Varvagan, of Orem, was kept Sunday night for observation in the trauma unit of Primary Children's Medical Center. But his mother told the Utah County Sheriff's Office on Monday that she expected him to be released.
Just before 4 p.m. Sunday, Cesar was hiking with his family when he reportedly stumbled and fell down the scree field made up of rock fragments from former rock slides. Rescuers set up an anchor system to lower the boy an additional 250 feet to crews and a medical helicopter waiting on the Provo River Parkway Trail.
"The boy sustained serious head injuries, possibly a broken collarbone, and back and hip injuries. The boy was conscious and alert when rescuers arrived but told them he did not remember what happened," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
Sgt. Spencer Cannon said Cesar was in "improving condition" Monday.