Tragedy struck on Saturday afternoon when a 61-year-old woman fell approximately 150 feet to her death from a cliff near the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. The victim, Nancy Sampson, a resident of Greer, South Carolina, had reportedly fallen down a steep cliff at the Glassmine Falls Overlook, a popular scenic spot along the parkway. Dispatch operators received a distress call around noon, alerting them to the incident.

Rangers from the National Park Service were swiftly dispatched to the scene, where they sadly confirmed Sampson's death. Her injuries from the fall had proven fatal, and there was nothing that could be done to save her. Rescuers, including first responders from the Reems Creek Fire Department, rangers from Mt. Mitchell State Park, and a volunteer from a trauma intervention program, were able to locate her lifeless body approximately 150 feet below the overlook.

The recovery mission was a challenging one, with crews having to rappel over 100 feet down the rugged cliffside in order to retrieve Sampson's body. Photos shared by the Reems Creek Fire Department on social media showcased the bravery and skill of the rescuers as they worked diligently to bring closure to the tragic incident.

Authorities have not released any further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Sampson's fall. The National Park Service, however, described Glassmine Falls Overlook as a “magnificent” waterfall situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Despite a sign at the overlook claiming that the waterfall is over 800 feet high, the service clarified that it is actually around 200 feet high. The parkway itself stretches for 469 miles, traversing the picturesque Appalachian Mountains in both Virginia and North Carolina.

As news of the tragic incident spread, it served as a grim reminder of the inherent dangers that can be present in the natural wonders that attract countless visitors each year. The National Park Service encourages all parkgoers to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines while enjoying the breathtaking scenery that the Blue Ridge Parkway has to offer.