El Dorado County (Aug 30, 2024, 2024) – There was a fatal climbing accident at Lover’s Leap, Twin Bridges on Thursday afternoon. A 30-year-old woman fell while climbing with her partner and died from her injuries, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
On August 29 at about 5 p.m., El Dorado County Search and Rescue and the sheriff’s office helicopter, Echo 1, responded to the area and assisted with the recovery.
A tragic climbing accident at the renowned Lover’s Leap in El Dorado County has resulted in the death of Janel Mathews, a 30-year-old experienced climber from Ohio. The incident occurred on the evening of August 29th while Mathews was scaling the east face of the popular climbing destination with her partner.
Around 5 p.m., Mathews fell from the cliff, prompting an immediate response from El Dorado County Search and Rescue, along with the sheriff’s office helicopter, Echo 1. Despite their swift efforts, Mathews succumbed to the injuries sustained in the fall.
Authorities confirmed that Mathews was equipped with the necessary climbing gear at the time of the accident, underscoring the inherent risks even for seasoned climbers. The sheriff’s office and rescue teams worked diligently to recover her body, marking a somber end to what began as a routine climb.
Lover’s Leap, located near Twin Bridges, is a well-known site for rock climbing, attracting adventurers from across the country. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved in the sport, even at such a familiar and beloved location.
