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PLEASANT GROVE — A man flying a paraglider crashed in Battle Creek Canyon about 6 p.m. Wednesday, breaking his ankle.
Utah County dispatchers were able to locate the 33-year-old man using GPS coordinates from his cellphone after he used it to call 911. The search and rescue process was short and sweet, said Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Rhett Williams.
"It wasn’t a long search at all. It was just a matter of getting to him," Williams said. "It was an excellent recovery. Everyone did a great job, and he was very happy with it."
The man was found alone about halfway up the mountain, Williams said. It's unclear whether the crash was due to a mechanical problem or user error.
"Due to unknown circumstances right now, he crashed into the side of the mountain. We were able to hike up to him … and give him medical attention," Williams said.
Utah County Sheriff’s Sgt. Spencer Cannon said the man was not at risk of falling after the crash. A medical helicopter was called because of the difficult terrain surrounding the man.
He was picked up by the helicopter and later transported by ambulance to a hospital. Other than a broken ankle, the man suffered minor cuts and scratches, Williams said.
