Crews rescue 4 Asbury University students at Red River Gorge

STANTON, Ky. – Four people were rescued Monday morning from an area of Red River Gorge after officials say they underestimated the weather on a camping trip.

Powell County Search & Rescue says it received a call around 9:28 a.m. about four Asbury University students stranded on Courthouse Rock.

Officials say the students had been camping overnight and had woken up the next morning covered in snow. The students reportedly decided it was not safe to try to climb down.

Team members began to make their way to the rescue location to gather information on trail conditions, and it became obvious a helicopter was the safest way to evacuate the students, officials say. Meanwhile, the Kentucky State Police began coordinating the evacuation.

Rescuers say the helicopter reached the students around 2:05 p.m., successfully picking up all four people and flying them to a local fire department for a medical assessment by Powell County EMS.

All four students appeared to be in good spirits, officials say.

Rescuers say this was one of the most dangerous rescues attempted at Red River Gorge, saying the students’ location can be particularly difficult to reach.

When planning a trip to Red River Gorge, officials say it is important to be aware of weather, road and trail connections and to think about where you are planning on camping, along with an evacuation plan just in case.