‘Cursing and angry’ hiker rescued from New Mexico canyon now faces charges

KANIKA SINGH RATHORE,

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A “cursing and angry” passenger was rescued after getting stuck in new mexico Drowned in river for hours – and now facing charges EncroachmentOfficials said.

The hiker, identified as Casey Waldman, 54, of Huntington Beach, California, attempted to climb down the edge of the Rio Grande Gorge on Friday in search of a hot spring, but became stuck, according to the Taos County Sheriff’s Office. Said In a press release.

Deputies were called by a bystander who thought Waldman had fallen off the ledge. He described Waldman to authorities as alive and coherent, but also “cursing and angry.”

“It was later determined that the subject had not fallen, but had intentionally walked down the ledge in search of a hot spring,” the sheriff’s office wrote.

The incident occurred not far from the “High Bridge”, a picturesque steel deck arch bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge about 10 miles northwest of Taos.

The passenger was described as 'furious' when he was found - and his anger probably didn't improve when he learned he was facing charges over the incident.

The passenger was described as ‘furious’ when he was found – and his anger probably didn’t improve when he learned he was facing charges over the incident. ,getty images,

There are several hiking trails nearby, including the Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail. There are also hiking trails along the Manby Hot Springs, which are located just below the gorge.

Waldman apparently took the wrong route and “became frustrated with his inability to get back out of where he was trapped for hours,” the sheriff’s office said.

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While speaking with deputies, Waldman “remained angry and refused medical care,” the sheriff’s office said. It is not clear how many hours he was trapped or whether he suffered any injuries.

The Sheriff’s Department said Waldman was charged with criminal trespass because it is illegal to descend into the canyon, which is a national monument.

“This was an unnecessary and avoidable expenditure of county and town resources,” the Sheriff’s Office said in the release.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked local and county fire departments, Taos EMS and Taos Central Dispatch for their response.

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