indian falls

One of Batavia High's standout students was among a group of heroes Friday who came to the rescue of a teenage girl who hit her head on a rock when she fell several feet from a cliff at Indian Falls.

The girl, Kourtney McCorry, 17, of Spencerport, was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight, but was conscious and alert after being pulled from the water.

Deputy Timothy Wescott said he was able to interview McCorry at the scene before she was transported and she was aware of her surroundings, recognized her father and understood what was happening.

She remembered, according to Wescott, climbing up the cliff of the falls with the help of her boyfriend. She grabbed the branch of a tree and the branch gave way. She fell and remembers seeing rocks below her and then she blacked out.

"She said she didn't know if she blacked out because she hit the rocks or out of fear of what might happen to her," Wescott said.

Evan Sutherland, a Batavia High School basketball player and member of the championship mock trial team, was at the falls with his friend, Andrew Hoy, a recent graduate of BHS and the Blue Devil's all-time leading scorer in basketball.  

Sutherland (left inset photo from one of his mock trial appearances this year) was the first to dive in the water to try and rescue the girl, Hoy said.

"I had just walked up and I got to like the edge of the cliff and saw her falling and she landed head first on the rocks," Hoy said. "It looked like her neck snapped. Then she went under for a few seconds and we couldn’t find her. We were still standing at the top and then she floated to the top of the water and my friend Evan Sutherland was the first one to react and he jumped into the water and there was another one of her friends over from where she fell from and he jumped in, too. They both dragged her out."

Hoy said the girl regained consciousness while she was still in the water, and Westcott said McCorry remembered coming to in the water surrounded by people.

The Batavian tried to interview Sutherland at the scene, but one of the Log Cabin's unruly patrons interfered with the interview and told him not to talk to the media.

Attempts to contact Sutherland Friday night were unsuccessful.

The legendary Log Cabin Restaurant, which includes a bar, is next to the falls and while the rescue was under way, the owner sent a representative to talk to journalists at the scene from The Batavian and the Daily News with a request that media outlets not report that the kids who swim and dive at the falls might enter the falls from the Log Cabin's property.

It's unknown how McCorry, Hoy and Sutherland, among the other youths enjoying the falls Friday, entered the area. 

The section of the Tonawanda Creek in the area of Indian Falls is owned by Genesee County and people can enter the area from near Route 77 without trespassing on private property. 

The volunteer fire departments of Indian Falls and Pembroke were the first emergency responders on scene.

Indian Falls and Pembroke volunteers set up a rope line across the creek and walked through the water to the north bank.

The Genesee County Rope Team -- made up of more than 20 volunteers from all of the county's volunteer fire departments -- responded to the scene along with Genesee County Emergency Services.

The team found a clearing in the brush along the creek's cliff on the north side and lowered a stretcher down to McCorry's location. Medical personnel were then lowered down.

It took more than 90 minutes to stabilize McCorry and slowly lift her to the top of the cliff.

Indian Falls Fire Chief Ed Mileham (bottom right inset) explained that it's a slow process to ensure both the safety of the victim and the rope crews.

"When you look at the fact that she's down 70 feet, the safest way up is up the bank," Mileham said. "We had 20 guys here from the (rope) team, they got down there, two of them set up harnesses and then they go down the bank -- yeah, by the time they get set up and everything, there's a little bit of time, but she appeared to be stable, so the guys were able to take their time and make sure they were safe before they got down in there."

Friday's mishap wasn't the first time this summer that Indian Falls and Pembroke responded to a near drowning at the falls.  

On June 5, another person looking for some recreation on the falls fell in and had to be rescued.

"It’s pretty dangerous," Mileham said. "If they don’t get far enough from the falls, they hit the rocks."

However, only two calls this summer is a far cry from how things used to be, Mileham noted.

"There’s been a problem down here for years," Mileham said. "Back in the '60s and '70s it used to be quite a place for kids to party and swim. I’ve been told that at one point there were 10 to 12 drownings here in one year from diving off the falls."

The Alabama and Oakfield fire departments also assisted at the scene.

A three-car accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at exit 48A. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are dispatched.

UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: There are two trucks into a guardrail. No injuries. All units back in service.

Like the headline reads, a tree in a cornfield on Phelps Road, Indian Falls.

What's left of a once popular amusement park in Indian Falls was largely undamaged by a late evening fire along Phelps Road.

One small structure -- impossible to tell what it once was -- was charred while several structures remain, though largely overgrown by brush, vines and trees.

The causes of the fire, which was reported at 9:01 p.m., remains under investigation. 

The park, locally known as "Boulder Park," opened in 1949, the brainchild of Phil Morrot. Historians know it as "Morrot's Boulder."

While the park featured a miniature steam train and a Ferris wheel, the highlight of the park was reportedly its merry-go-round.

The carousel -- designed by Phil's sister, Emily Bourgard, and built by the Herschell Company -- was a menagerie of animals, including 32 horses, a lion, tigers and a giraffe.

The park was sold in the 1960s, fell into disrepair and was closed by 1970, at which time the animals of the carousel apparently went missing.

An Indian Falls resident, Cindy Henning Hanks, published a book in 2003 about the carousel and what happened to the animals. She's been able to track what happened to all but three of the wooden, hand-carved beasts.

According to her website, the giraffe sold at auction a few years ago for $51,000.

According to a Sheriff's Office report, the property is currently owned by Kelkco, LLC, out of Clarence Center.

The fire is being investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Pictures below were taken today.

A grass fire has been reported at the intersection of Route 77 and Phelps Road.

Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments dispatched.

Newstead, standing in for one of the departments, standing down. Akron, standing in, is responding.

UPDATE 9:14 p.m.: Pembroke, Indian Falls, all available manpower requested to the scene. The location has been identified as "Boulder Park." There is a 30-by-50 foot area on fire several yards from a building.

UPDATE 9:16 p.m. "There are remains of a structure that is involved now." Also, law enforcement requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: Corfu, returning from Elba, called the Indian Falls chief and asked if he needed a hand. One word answer: "Yes." Corfu fire in route.  

UPDATE 9:27 p.m.: Poles, rakes and a chainsaw needed to help clear a way to get to the structure. Lights being set up to illuminate the scene.

UPDATE 9:43 p.m.: Fire is out.

UPDATE 10:08 p.m.: Corfu back in service. Road reopened.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 395. One person is lying on the ground. East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 6:47 p.m.: Four vehicles are involved. A medic on scene says injuries are minor. A second ambulance is requested.

UPDATE 6:51 p.m.: East Pembroke command ordered Mercy Squad 1 to go back in service.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: A State Trooper is on scene and a tow truck is en route.

A three-car accident, with minor injuries, is reported at Route 77 and the Thruway interchange. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

A two-car, head-on collision accident is reported on Indian Falls Road in the area of Pratt Road. Both drivers will need extrication. One of them is unresponsive and has three minors as passengers.

East Pembroke Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls, plus two Mercy EMS units. Two Mercy Flight helicopters are called in and a landing zone is being set up on the corner of Pratt and Indian Falls roads.

An Oakfield medic is on scene and a rig out of Oakfield is called to respond, too. Corfu Fire Police are called to handle traffic control and to shut down Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: A third Mercy Flight helicopter is called for, and is available, but a crew needs to be assembled. They are working to do that and will advise.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: The first helicopter is on the ground. Indian Falls at Route 5 is being closed to traffic.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: A second landing zone is being set up north of the scene, on the southeast corner of Indian Falls and Cleveland roads.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: A third helicopter has secured a crew and is 15 minutes away.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: A third landing zone is being set up at Kilian and Slusser roads.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: The second helicopter has landed, but not at the site originally designated. It's at Pratt and Indian Falls roads, where the first helicopter landed.

UPDATE 5:37: "Mercy Flight is advising they have a fourth helicopter if Squad 2 can ride on it."

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: A fourth helicopter will not be needed.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: All patients have been extricated.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: Oakfield medics are en route to UMMC with two small children on board.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: The last helicopter has landed. The first chopper is headed to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: The second helicopter is headed to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: The last helicopter is headed to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester at the patient's request.

UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: All East Pembroke units back in service. The road is reopened.

UPDATE 10:11 p.m.: A caller has told dispatchers that a television news crew is setting up in the area of the accident with very bright lights, "blinding drivers." A deputy is responding.

More pictures from the scene after the jump.

I received a text message this morning from I'm not sure who that read: "Must. Have. More. Photos."

Fortunately, I had already been out yesterday evening on a photo expedition.

Above, the power lines going through the state reserve on Judge Road, Alabama. Below, tall grass off Short Street, Indian Falls, and a lily near the Slusser Road bridge over the Tonawanda Creek, Pembroke.

There was a big turn out this evening at the United Methodist Church in Indian Falls for the 66th Annual Strawberry Social. The event not only featured some mighty tasty looking deserts, but a chicken dinner, pie sale and auction. A couple hundred people, at least, attended.

You know, it occurred to me yesterday -- I haven't posted a barn picture in a while. So here's one for you. It's off Little Indian Falls Road, Pembroke.

A landscape shot from Meiser Road, Indian Falls.

A historical marker for Gen. Ely Samuel Parker off Sliker Road, Indian Falls. Gen. Parker was born in Indian Falls (he's Seneca Indian) and served in the Civil War. Parker inscribed (based on Gen. Grant's writing) the terms of surrender at Appomattox. (Wikipedia)

About 20 minutes ago, law enforcement called off an extensive search around Indian Falls and Little Falls roads for a wanted man. The search went on for about an hour.

They say he's known locally and "will turn up."

The man, whose name has not been released, has warrants out of Ontario County and was allegedly driving a vehicle without a driver's license.

He was spotted by state Trooper Holly Hanssel, who attempted to make a traffic stop, prompting the suspect to flee on foot.

She called in additional law enforcement, and Batavia police and Sheriff's deputies responded, along with a K-9 team and a state helicopter.

They combed both sides of the Tonawanda Creek and at some point found muddy footprints, and it is believed he crossed over in a couple of places.

He's described as being white, about 5'8", with a medium to heavy built, tattoos, a shaved head and sporting a goatee. No description of clothing was given.

UPDATE 2:43 p.m.: The suspect was possibly spotted near Route 77 wearing a red shirt and black shorts. A resident with a gun had chased the suspect to a picnic cookout area where the guy ran down an embankment. The resident contacted law enforcement and subsequently went home. The Sheriff's K-9 unit is scouring the area but officers "do not have a visual" on him.

UPDATE 4:21 p.m.: The suspect was apprehended at 3:17 p.m. Some time later, one deputy was heard on the scanner congratulating Deputy Brian Thompson on "another awesome job." Deputy Thompson, in response, gave credit to K-9 "Pharoah."

A motor-vehicle accident, with unknown injuries, is reported at 871 Gabbey Road in Pembroke. The vehicle is on its roof.

The location is "by the bend" at Wyman and Marble roads.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 1:20 a.m.: The driver and a passenger said to be his girlfriend are not in the vehicle. State Troopers went to a house not far away on Route 5, where it was thought they might be, but they weren't there. Now troopers are going to a house on South Lake Road. At least one of the vehicle's occupants is believed to be injured. Firefighters are proceeding to stage in the area of South Lake and Gabbey roads, not far from the accident scene. Mercy medics are continuing non-emergency mode. A hook tow truck is en route to the vehicle, a red Corvette.

UPDATE 1:40 a.m.: Law enforcement tells dispatch that the two parties involved purportedly suffered only cuts and bruises and that they they were taken by a third party to their respective residences. Next, the pair was thought to be indeed at the South Lake Road residence -- based on what a responder reportedly saw -- despite what the homeowner contended. This sparked comments on the scanner about "honesty issues." Now, the Corvette's occupants are thought to be, or are returning to, the home on Route 5. Pembroke and Indian Falls are put back in service, along with Mercy medics. A fire hyrdrant was sheared off as a result of the accident, but is not spouting water. The water authority has been notified.

A possible drowning is reported in the creek behind the Log Cabin Restaurant in Indian Falls. The location is 1227 Gilmore Road, by the falls.

It's unknown whether the person is out of the water.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics. The Genesee County Rope Rescue Team is called to assemble and stand by.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: The person is out of the water. All response units, except Mercy medics, are cancelled.

UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: Person fell about 20 feet into the water and got "the wind knocked out of him." He was in the water for a short period of time and is now on land, conscious and alert. Pembroke fire is continuing to the scene, non-emergency. The man is between 19 and 20 years old and complaining of neck and back pain.

A brush fire in a field is reported at 398 Knapp Road in Indian Falls. It is not near any structures.

Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: It is estimated that about one acre is on fire.

UPDATE 2:24 p.m.: The fire chief says "the fire is out. Now we're putting out the burn pile."

A possible house fire is reported at 365 Wright Road in the Town of Alabama.

Pumpers from Alabama and Indian Falls' fire departments are called to respond.

A woman who lives there reported that she returned home to find her house full of smoke and the couch smoldering. She also said the hot-water heater appeared to be knocked over.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: A chief reports the house is charged with smoke, but the fire appears to be out. Pembroke Fire also dispatched.
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The smell of smoke is reported inside a residence at 8409 Indian Falls Road in Indian Falls. The basement of the home is flooded, too.

Oakfield, East Pembroke and Pembroke fire units are called.

UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: Assignment back in service.

Firefighters are responding to an area near the juncture of routes 20 and 238 for a missing 73-year-old man. He has gone unaccounted for for five hours.

All Darien fire crews and medical personnel are called to the scene. Alexander fire is standing by in its quarters. Alexander, East Pembroke and Alden are also participating in the operations, along with Mercy EMS.

The area is near a creek and the East Pembroke Water Rescue Team is deployed. Fire police are rerouting traffic. A helicopter is also deployed. The man's cell phone was called but it's not on, or not working, and therefore not trackable. They are going to contact the phone company to determine the last known location of phone service.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: A responder on scene says "They are sending a generator and lights to the area of the ATV." Also, several ATV riders are searching the area, too.

UPDATE 8:15 p.m.: Bethany requested to fill in at Alexander's hall.

A fully involved car fire is reported on Route 77 in front of the Econo Lodge. That's located at 8493 Alleghany Road in Corfu.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire are responding.

UPDATE 5:52 p.m.: The driver is out of the vehicle and is OK.