Hiker Falls To His Death At Red River Gorge
Hiker Falls To His Death At Red River Gorge Save Email Print
Posted: 8:15 AM Mar 13, 2008
 Last Updated: 2:02 PM Mar 13, 2008
50 comments
A | A | A

A hiker has fallen to his death at the Red River Gorge.

Emergency crews responded overnight to an area in the gorge near the Wolfe/Menifee County line.

Search and rescue crews spent about five hours overnight searching for 29-year-old Donnie Rogers of Irvine, before they recovered his body. Officials confirm that marijuana was found on his body.

It's believed he fell more than 200 feet to his death in the Chimney Rock area of the gorge.

Roger's body is being taken to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Frankfort. Preliminary autopsy results show that he died of blunt force trauma.
More Stories
Lexington doctor killed in shooting

Ky. congressmen receive threatening letters

Kentucky soldiers to help farm in Afghanistan

Cleaning up cigarette butts

 Police/Safety Officials Meet About Deadly Lincoln Accidents

Historical home burns

Same suspect in two Leslie County murders

5th victim dies following Louisville fire
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Jim Location: Lexington on Mar 30, 2008 at 02:51 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to Donnie's family and friends. A neighbor or mine fell to his death in the Gorge a few years ago. I have started a memorial forum at rrgtoday.com to help preserve the memories of those who lost their life in the Gorge. Anyone who knew Donnie is welcome to post their stories and recollections about him. This forum is not intended for anyone else to post judgment or opinions about someone they never knew.
Posted by: Lisa Location: Northern KY on Mar 18, 2008 at 07:03 PM
My thoughts and prayers also go out to the friends and family. I hope things will get easier for you. It is a shame to lose someone so young. I agree, right now any one of us could have fallen. Nobody should be even be bringing up the marijuana, that is not what caused accident, it was an accident and accidents happen unfortunately. The sandstone rock is usually has great grip and is easy to walk on. But right now it has absorbed to much water from the rain and snow and it is very slippery.
Posted by: An old Friend in Irvine on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Donnie will be deeply missed. I have many wonderful memories with him. It had been a long time since I last seen or spoke to Donnie. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this most difficult time. He was a wonderful, caring, and intelligent person.
Posted by: Ashley Location: Irvine, KY on Mar 17, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Donnie was my cousin and regardless of the mistakes he made, he was a wonderful person! Make your own judgements, but keep in mind my family and I just lost a loved one and there is no reason for rude comments! Any one of us high or not could have fallen just as easily. Donnie will always be loved and missed.
Posted by: PSH Location: Kentucky on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I agree - way to go Darlene. My type of people also.
Posted by: Beth Location: Kentucky on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Donnie was an extremely friendly and considerate man. Very much so a gentleman who went out of his way to help others, even those he did not know. I admire his selflessness. It is very sad and unfortunate that his life ended at such an early age. My thoughts go out to his loved ones.
Posted by: Lisa Location: Northern KY on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I was just down the Red River Gorge on Sunday. I went to numerous places, including Chimney and Half Moon. In my opion what made the guy fall is the sandstone rock is wetter than usual from all the snow we had and the rain. I have never seen the sandstone rock that slippery even though it was not raining sunday. That guy must have been used to doing what he was doing. He must not have realized how wet the rock was. I have also climbed around down there and it is easy when the sandstone is totally dry. But when the rock is wet it is unbelievely hard and slick. Since it was dry that day he must have just thought the rock was not slippery, usually when there is no rain for a day it is dry. But I guess since all the snow we had and rain the sandstone rock has just absorbed all the moisture. The rock is like a slippery sponge. I really don't think that weed had anything to do with this accident. The sandstone is just more slippery than usual. I haven't seen it this slippery
Posted by: Me! Location: Ky on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Way to go Darlene in Georgetown!!!!!You are MY kind of people!!!!If everyone who gets on here had your attitude, this world would be a MUCH better place!!!!!
Posted by: To Wolfinbarger Location: From Smoked a little on Mar 17, 2008 at 08:32 AM
I think the key phrase in your response was "this is a page for ANY type of comment". So go search your pea sized mind and figure out what it is you would like to say, that makes any sense at all.I have been stoned and drunk. I never did any drugs stronger than pot. As a matter of fact I did more stupid things while drunk. I don't think smoking pot is okay by no means. I am just making a point that I don't think if this guy was smoking it would have impaired his judgment to the point of trying an impossible jump.FYI I do have children and they are ALL good citizens. One is a nurse and the other is in the police academy. I have told them what I have done in the past and they know the dangers of drugs and alcohol.I am not a bad person. In fact I think that the experience from my teen years has helped me to raise 2 very good kids.At least if they ever asked me "what does it feel like to smoke pot?" I could at least give them an answer.Could you?No they have to find out themselves! Right.
Posted by: darlene Location: georgetown on Mar 16, 2008 at 09:41 PM
drunk or sober, stoned or sober, sober, sober, sober, life happens. I am from the mountains and i ran around and partied in the Red River Gorge. Chimney Rock, Indian Creek, all over. My husband jumped the crack at Chimney rock while drunk. Don't judge others until you have been where they are. No matter how one dies it is devestating. Most of us have unconditional love for our loved ones. We don,t sit in judgement for the way they choose to live. So what if pot was found on him, he was human, and probably more willing to be of help to someone (the way God chooses us to be) than those of you who choose to condemn him. My sympathy for his family is true. I'm no better than nor no less than the man sitting next to me who is addicted to sex, pot, drugs, alcohol or chocolate. I am human and I care about others regardless. Would you want people condemning your loved one because they were human. Get off the throne. There is a God and you are not it.
Posted by: doug Location: irvine on Mar 16, 2008 at 04:25 PM
To: awww Just so you know i have one of the rair 100% scores on the writen and driven road test....and smoked three joints on my way there as well as held many good jobs while smoking including one truck driving job and my records clean as a whistle so there a reasons to leave the pot alone it didn't kill donnie. Being a backwoods hillbilly and lovin the mountains did and im 25 and if i had to go early i could only hope i would be stoned and in a place as gorgeous as the gorge
Posted by: Wolfinbarger Says.... on Mar 16, 2008 at 03:15 PM
"The purpose of this area is for people to locate infomation about a friends death and speak about his life." Since when? I'm reading right above and it just states "Post Your Comments." I didn't know you were clairvoyent? And by the way "Smoked a little," pot never impaired your judgment?" How do you know? You were stoned! This isn't Legacy.com; this in a page for ANY type of comment. If you don't like it, too bad. Marijuana is an ILLEGAL drug and if you don't understand that, I just hope that you never have kids.
Posted by: Smoked a little Location: Ky on Mar 16, 2008 at 08:56 AM
To Renee...Have you ever smoked pot? I have years ago. It never impaired my judgment.Alcohol and harder drugs,yes. Regardless if Donnie was stoned, drunk or sober as most judges,the fact is he died. That is what everyone on here should be commenting about. Condolences to the family and friends of this young man.The pot being on his person is part of the story and most likely his family knew he smoked a little.But stop with all the bashing of his memory. He was a loved person that will be missed!!!
Posted by: Matthew on Mar 15, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Todd from Erlanger, thank for your comments, Donnie most certainly went for that jump, he had talked about it often to me on our (sober)hikes into the gorge, Donnie will always be missed and remembered, He had the spirit of a lion! I will never forget his courage, he did it.
Posted by: Wolfinbarger Location: Fort Thomas,Ky. on Mar 15, 2008 at 11:32 PM
MR. 11:10 A.M. I have been a close friend of Donnie Rogers for 15 years and he was a good friend who was very thoughtful and will be missed. I am afraid that you are most considerably out of your element on this occasion, and I think that rather than using your time to spin your little anti-drug protests opon my dead friend's memory and mourners. You should think before you speak about someone you do not KNOW. The purpose of this area is for people to locate infomation about a friends death and speak about his life. Donnie was a fine son, brother, and friend and I will miss him dearly.
Posted by: steve Location: irvine on Mar 15, 2008 at 09:59 PM
I live in estill and mountains have numerous dangers that people do not know about like grapevines going up the side of the cliff never pull them there could be a rock laying on top of the vine crunch. Or like now when the ground starts thawing its very dangerous around cliffs rocks fall out of the cliffs crunch again most of you most likely know this if you were raised in the mountains my dad taught me well rest his soul.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: campton kentucky on Mar 15, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I lost a good friend in that gorge in 1998. So sad for this family. No matter what the accident we are never ready for them to go.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 15, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Have any of you people ever been in this gorge? This is a very dangerous and beautiful place stoned or not. The news did not say marijuana was in his system, they said they found it on him. He was not necessarily stoned at the time.
Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on Mar 15, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Drugs are bad...mmmkay? Marijuana is bad...mmmmkay?
Posted by: Erin Location: KY on Mar 15, 2008 at 01:45 AM
This is really terrible. Kids- DO NOT USE DRUGS. Things like this can happen to you. Or something worse.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 15, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Isn't it funny how we turn our heads 'cause he "smoked a little pot" but would've made a federal case if they found a pain medicine in his system?? And what if it were prescribed?? Would that change minds?
Posted by: Brad Location: Lexington on Mar 14, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Sad thing that happened here. I am from that area and if you do not know your way around, especially at night, it could cost you your life such as it did this guy. The Gorge is a beautiful place but can be deadly if you do not know what you are doing. Also, to do any type of rock climbing, hiking, etc. there while under the influence is just asking for disaster.
Posted by: Z Location: KY on Mar 14, 2008 at 11:51 PM
We seem to have forgotten that this was about a young man losing his life. People have to make their own choices in life, and if drugs are the chosen path, then so be it. Personally two guys I grew up with started smoking weed, moved onto coke and heroin & both OD'd before they were old enough to drink legally. But...that was their choice. As it was Donnie's, if he was using it. Regardless, this is just another sad case in point that the Gorge is both wild and wonderful...and caution is required to enjoy it whether you're stone sober or strung out. My blessings to the family, my hopes that people will learn from this tragedy and not make ANY of the same mistakes.
Posted by: Mary Location: Vanceburg on Mar 14, 2008 at 11:32 PM
(edited)The man is dead. If he had smoked a little pot or not doesn't really matter. All you managed to do was cause more hurt and problems for his family. To "Note to Amber" you need to do a little research. People like you (Holier than thou) really disturb me. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: lily Location: somerset on Mar 14, 2008 at 07:30 PM
This was an accident, and I agree the pot had little to do with it. I agree with PSh worry about the pills and meth. And god bless Donnie and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Posted by: Darrell Location: Mt. Sterling on Mar 14, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Donnie was one of my best friends. Donnie and i worked together for years. I will miss him very much. My thoughts go out to all of Donnie's family and friends. Donnie
Posted by: Awww ben on Mar 14, 2008 at 04:30 PM
go fire up another one and let's see who passes the driving test. Better yet, fire up another one and let's both take a drug test and see who get hired. You are as ignorant as you are high!
Posted by: Note to PSH on Mar 14, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Just because you didn't turn to anything harder doesn't mean millions won't. Inform yourself before YOU spout out stupid statements!
Posted by: Renee Location: Pikeville on Mar 14, 2008 at 04:07 PM
PSH, I agree there is a bigger problem with prescription drugs, but most of the addicts either do not have scripts or buy more than what they are prescribed. There are many people out there that need the meds to function and they use them appropriately. Pot is an illegal drug and it does impair judgement, but again I have to agree, Medicinal marihuana is great for cancer patients, they are in alot of pain and need something. EVERYTHING depends on the person using it, if they want to be an abuser or if they use it appropriately. I mean if you think about it, what about cigs, tobacco, alcohol, etc. More people die from those than anything, people have to make responsible decisions about everything they do. As far as the family, my heart goes out to you and everyone else, I believe in hearing the news BUT I also believe in sparing family member's feelings, would you want that to be the last thing everyone thought about your son, daughter, mother, father, etc? I am sure you wouldn't!
Posted by: Anon Location: gorge on Mar 14, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Matt, WKYT did not "blame" marijuana, only said it was found on him. Big words can be confusing, I know.
Posted by: doug Location: Irvine on Mar 14, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Donnie will be greatly missed in this town. Everyone needs to quit focusing on the pot in this issue and deal with the tragic part. There is less than a 10% chance in my opinion that pot had anything to do with it. I smoke pot on a regular basis as well as many others and it doen't have the effect of making you do dumb stuff. High or not if you want to do it you'll do it. Obviosly pot is only a big deal agian when accidents happen. Look for the last guy who smoked a joint and hit a bus load of kids. Won't find much! The majority of states which vote on it in recent years have leagalized it. Worry bout the loss of his family but don't use this guys death as rally agianst pot that is just disrespectful to him and his family.
Posted by: Mary Location: Irvine on Mar 14, 2008 at 02:15 PM
This is for sheryl from Tampa Florida: sorry to disagree with you but the great guys I have known don't do drugs...period!
Posted by: PSH Location: Kentucky on Mar 14, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Amber, It is also against the law to cross the street not in a crosswalk, to drive without your seatbelt, not use your blinkers when operating a motor vehicle. But it happens. So, the poor lady who gets hit by a car because she wasn't crossing in the crosswalk - must be her fault because she wasn't in that crosswalk. I smoked 'a little pot' for many many years and NEVER did anything harder. In fact I would smoke it again if I could grow my own. It's obvious you've never read any information on medicinal marijuana. And furthermore, what disgusts me is the stupidity of people like you. The epidemic the cops needs to be worrying about is prescription drugs. But, because prescription drugs are 'legal' everyone turns a blind eye. The time for eradicating marijuana has gone by the wayside. The cops need to switch their focus to the prescription epidemic.
Posted by: ben Location: lex on Mar 14, 2008 at 12:23 PM
"Note to Amber" couldn't be any less informed about the facts of marijuana if she was getting her talking points straight from Smokey the Bear. Ignorance and fear disgusts me.
Posted by: sheryl Location: Tampa Florida on Mar 14, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I know Donnie and i must say he was one of the greatest guys i know. I loved to spend time with him. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends! sorry i cant make it since i just moved from there to florida. I will always cherish the memories i have with him all the good times and even our bad times. He truly was an amazing guy. a true gentlman to me always. I love you and miss you lots DONNIIE!! I will cherish our memories....
Posted by: Sarah Location: Menifee on Mar 14, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Joey is right but he forgot stupidity. I have lived in the area all my life, it is an amazing place but also a dangerous one. People need to respect the area. Don't even get me started on the people from out of state.
Posted by: Note to Amber on Mar 14, 2008 at 11:10 AM
So what if he smoked a little pot? What part of illegal, against the law, etc. don't you understand. That's like saying "well he only fondled the 8 year old girl a little bit." You people who condone the use of illegal drugs just show how ignorant you are. I have a friend who is kind of a hippie dude but guess what...he doesn't do drugs! It's people like you Amber that makes it tough for law enforcement to do their job. Oh it's okay, it's just a little pot and he isn't hurting anyone. Well, most druggies turn to bigger stuff and when they can't afford it, they steal the money to get it. It is not a victimless act. People spend money on drugs instead of their family. They hurt others trying to get high by stealing from other and possibly physically hurting them. You sound as unresponsible as most drug users and I'm convinced you probably use "a little" marijuana or something else illegal yourself.. You disgust me!
Posted by: Rosemary Location: Irvine, ky on Mar 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to Donnies Family.. my husband is family also of Donnies.. god bless you all..
Posted by: Nancy Location: KY on Mar 14, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Why do you people want the news to "mask" the story? You keep complaining that the news media doesn't tell us the truth and the minute they give us the details, you scream foul. You can't have it both ways and by the way, last time I checked, marijuana was still against the law and is still classified as an illegal drug that impairs your ability to think and act normal.
Posted by: Amber Location: Irvine on Mar 14, 2008 at 09:45 AM
I went to school with Donnie...He was a very nice and sweet guy...so what if he smoked a little pot...we all do things we shouldn't do...he was kind of a hippie type of person who always had on a Greatful Dead shirt...this is a tragic accident...my sympathy goes out to his family who I know loved him dearly
Posted by: Michael Location: LEX on Mar 14, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Looks like Joey was right!
Posted by: Read the Freakin Story on Mar 14, 2008 at 09:00 AM
WKYT didn't ATTRIBUTE this to marijuana. They only stated that it was found on him. Why is it an integral part of the story? Because marijuana is illegal and is a hallucinogen which can impair judgment. What don't you understand about that?
Posted by: Just wondering Location: the gorge on Mar 14, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Sometimes i wonder if its not a push in the back.Seems as if we are alawys hearing some one fell.I live here but am afraid to hike in the woods.I dont know who is in the woods.Its has been said that people live in the woods here.I dont know i just wonder.
Posted by: so sad Location: clay city on Mar 14, 2008 at 07:02 AM
THIS IS SO SAD THAT WKYT ANS OTHER NEWS CARRIERS ARE TELLING A PART OF THE STORY THE PUBLIC DOES NOT NEED TO KNOW THE ONLY THINGS THAT WE NEED TO KNOW IS A YOUNG MAN NAMED DONNIE ROGERS FELL TO HIS DEATH IN THE GORGE AND HOW SORRY THEY ARE TO HIS FAMILY WHY SAY THINGS LIKE THAT IT ONLY HURTS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.MAYBE HE HAD A YOUNG CHILD WHO WAS SETTING THERE WATCHING THE NEWS ONLY TO LEARN THE MAN THEY CALL DAD NOT ONLY DIED BUT HE WAS ON MARIJUANA YOU ALL ARE SO WRONG I AM IN TEARS AND I DID NOT EVEN KNOW THE YOUNG MAN
Posted by: todd Location: erlanger on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:35 PM
I have jumped the crack at chimney rock with a rope and it is not easy and i was completely sober so don't cry refer madness. My problem is that it should not have been made public it was the families business if he was on something . For anybody that skydives, races cars or rock climbs we know the risks and donnie decided to try a life or death jump and tragically did not make it but only a handful of people on this planet would even try it.My prayers to the Rogers.
Posted by: An old Friend Location: Irvine on Mar 13, 2008 at 09:14 PM
So what? He may have had a little marijuana on him. Did this really need to be broadcast? His family doesn't care about that. They are grieving a son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin...A little marijuana or not, this is a very tragic death. He was deeply loved and will be missed.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 13, 2008 at 08:32 PM
smoke another one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Wenona Location: Somerset on Mar 13, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Yes as a family member thank you for your support. However I do agree that the marijuana in the headline of this will cause people to dismiss obvious safety procedures. The other thing with this is that there is no report back so it is clear they are using this headline as an attention grabber instead of the truth a young man lost his life to early.
Posted by: MELISSA Location: IRVINE on Mar 13, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I KNEW DONNIE FOR MANY YEARS , HE WAS A VERY NICE GUY..I HATE TO HEAR SUCH BAD NEWS..GOD BLESS ALL OF HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Posted by: Matt Location: Lexington on Mar 13, 2008 at 03:37 PM
People need to be careful out in the Gorge area as several people die every year. I am slightly miffed about WKYT's handing of the story by blaming marijuana (in the headline) before the State Medical Examiner could finish the report. That's a minute point, I just hope people use more caution so accidents like this don't happen in Kentucky.
Posted by: Bridgett Location: Irvine on Mar 13, 2008 at 03:31 PM
I went to school with Donnie he was a very nice guy. I will be praying for all the family.
Posted by: PSH Location: Kentucky on Mar 13, 2008 at 03:26 PM
It's unfortunate that the news media has to attribute this to marijuana before testing can even be done on the poor young man. In the meantime his family will have to deal with the backlash from these news reports. My sympathy to the family also.
Posted by: Joey Location: Lex on Mar 13, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Ok, I normally tick off a lot of people with my posts but in the end, I am correct the majority of the time. One of three scenarios caused this man to fall 200 feet from a cliff. 1) Alcohol was involved 2) Drugs were involved 3) A push in the back was involved. Let's wait and see and my condolences to the family.
Posted by: ben Location: lex on Mar 13, 2008 at 11:01 AM
So sad. The gorge is one of Kentucky's best kept secrets and I hope nothing changes.
AP Video
WKYT Special Sections
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment.
Happy Hour Deals
Save 50% from local merchants.
Desktop Alert
Download weather alerts to your computer desktop.
Print Free Offers & Coupons
From local restaurants, retail stores, & service businesses.
Experts
Got a question? Ask our Health Experts.
WKYT Archives
Looking for a video clip?
Everyday Heroes
Is someone you know a hero?
Crime
Find out how Ray Larson is stopping crime.
Crimestoppers
Help bring criminals to justice.
Sponsored Links
Stocks
QUOTES
    Symbol Lookup
Sponsored Headlines