Woman Slips and Falls Down Slope During Walk. Hikers Rescued Her by Following the Trail of Blood

A woman suffered critical injuries after falling down a steep slope while hiking near a popular waterfall in Utah, and was later found by other hikers who followed a trail of blood along the path.

The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 3, near Bridal Veil Falls. Two hikers noticed blood on the main trail and traced it downhill, eventually discovering an injured woman at the base of a roughly 45-degree slope. Authorities said the woman, later identified as Jacque Tietjen, was unresponsive when she was located.

Tietjen had been hiking alone when the accident happened. Family members said she may have slipped or possibly been struck by falling rocks, though the exact cause of the fall has not been confirmed. The hikers are believed to have found her between one hour and 90 minutes after the initial incident.

Emergency crews were called to the scene, and Tietjen was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Medical teams later determined that she had suffered multiple brain bleeds, a skull fracture, facial fractures, and additional injuries consistent with a significant fall.

Relatives described Tietjen as highly experienced in outdoor and endurance activities, with years of hiking and mountaineering behind her. Family members emphasized that she was accustomed to challenging terrain, underscoring that the accident appears to have been a rare and unforeseen event.

As of several days after the fall, Tietjen remained sedated and intubated in intensive care. According to updates shared by her family, doctors were closely monitoring swelling in her brain, which had so far remained within a manageable range. While relatives expressed cautious optimism, they noted that recovery is expected to be lengthy and that potential long-term neurological effects remain uncertain.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover medical expenses and related financial needs stemming from the accident. Family members credited the hikers who found her and medical staff for their swift actions, calling them crucial in keeping her alive.