Rescue crews spent Saturday afternoon trying to recover the body of a man who fell to his death.

It happened in the Indian Creek Area of the Red River Gorge near the Natural Bridge around 2 p.m.

It took crews about an hour to reach the man, who we're told is from Owen County.

Emergency officials say the hiker made a deadly mistake of climbing without the proper tools.

The search and rescue effort involved responders from Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe Counties.

But by the time they reached the man, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Anytime somebody comes down here and dies it definitely puts a strain on everybody that comes here," said Steve Chapman, who happened to be hiking near the scene.

"I think any area can be considered dangerous down here," said Chapman.

Emergency officials say the hiker who died was not an experienced rock climber, but had climbed up a cliff nearly 50 ft., without climbing gear, when he fell.

"If you're up there start getting cold, and can't feel your fingers, dexterity runs out and you could slide right down," said Chapman, who is experienced in rock climbing.

The man was hiking with several other people when he fell. His name will not be released until his family is notified.