Massachusetts Daily Collegian

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

Massachusetts Daily Collegian

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

Massachusetts Daily Collegian

UMass student in stable condition after weekend fall at Mount Sugarloaf

Flickr/pecooper98362

The University of Massachusetts student who fell off a cliff at Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation in South Deerfield on Saturday afternoon is reported as being in stable condition.

Sophomore chemical engineering major Michael Grunwald, 20, reportedly stepped too close to the edge of a cliff and fell between 60 and 100 feet while hiking with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers. His injuries were serious, though non-life threatening; according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Grunwald was conscious and talking as rescuers arrived, complaining primarily of hip and shoulder pain.

Carrying ropes and a rescue bucket, rescue crews from Greenfield, South Deerfield and Turners Falls trudged through a half mile of thick brush to reach the student, the Gazette reported.

The 911 call came in around 4:41 p.m., the Gazette added. MassLive reported that it took rescuers two hours to retrieve Grunwald, who was airlifted via a LifeFlight helicopter to UMass Medical Center Worcester by 7 p.m.

Alcohol did not play a factor in the incident, MassLive added.

At 652 feet high, the Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation is maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and includes a seasonal observation tower and picnic area. Motor vehicle access is available from late spring through fall.

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