A fall from a cliff lasted only a few seconds, but rescue crews spent hours trying to save a teenager.

19-year-old Thomas Drake is now at UK after the fall in the Red River Gorge.

Family members say Tuesday was Drake's 19th birthday and the Eagle Scout was out doing something he loves: hiking.

Rescue crews say somehow, he wandered off a 300 foot cliff in the Umber Fork area of Wolfe County. It took crews several hours to reach him and pull him to safety.

Family members say Drake will have to undergo several surgeries to repair his injuries. We're told much of the damage was done to his face.

For the moment, he's listed in fair condition at UK Hospital.