Pelkie man dies in hiking accident
LAIRD TOWNSHIP — A Pelkie man died Monday afternoon after an accidental fall off a cliff at the Sturgeon River Gorge.
Douglas Welker, 75, had been hiking near the waterfall when he slipped at the edge of a 20-foot cliff, the Michigan State Police Calumet Post said in a release. Troopers were called to the scene about 12:15 p.m. Welker struck his head during the fall and was pronounced dead at the scene.
No foul play is suspected in the death, the MSP said after investigation.
The MSP is reminding visitors to exercise caution when hiking in these areas.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by Bay Ambulance, Pelkie Fire and Rescue, L’Anse Fire Department, US Forest Service, Alston Fire and Rescue, Covington Fire Department, Laird Township Fire Department, and Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police.