Veteran Mountaineer Rescued After Severe Fall in Utah Wilderness
Two hikers became unlikely heroes after saving a woman on the verge of death by following a trail of her blood through the rugged wilderness of Utah. The dramatic rescue unfolded at Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon, where Saratoga Springs native Jacque Tietijen suffered life-threatening injuries during a solo hike on February 3.
From Routine Trek to Fight for Survival
What should have been a routine trek for the experienced mountaineer turned into a desperate fight for survival. Tietijen, who has thousands of hikes under her belt and has even tackled the perilous climb of Mount Everest, lay unconscious at the bottom of a 45-degree slope for over an hour after a severe fall.
Her family believes she either slipped and hit her head or was struck by a falling rock, transforming a familiar trail into a scene of critical danger. "This isn't new to her. She's been in dangerous conditions," her sister-in-law Katherine told KSLTV. "She's been on thousands of hikes, and this was just the one where something went wrong."
The Critical Discovery
The turning point came when two good Samaritans noticed something unusual during their own hike. Following a trail of blood through the wilderness, they discovered the critically injured mountaineer and immediately sprang into action.
"They took care of her, wrapped their coats around her, tried to get her body temperature up," Katherine recounted, describing the crucial moments after the hikers found Tietijen. Their quick thinking and willingness to investigate what many might have ignored proved potentially life-saving.
Severe Injuries and Ongoing Treatment
Tietijen was subsequently airlifted to Utah Valley Hospital, where she continues to receive treatment for devastating injuries. According to her GoFundMe page, the outdoorswoman sustained:
- Multiple brain bleeds
- Skull fractures
- Severe brain swelling requiring monitoring
Doctors have kept her intubated and sedated while carefully watching her condition. "It will take a few days for the brain to show what it's going to do," her sister-in-law explained. "If it starts to swell too much, they will have to do emergency surgery and take a piece out of her skull to give the brain space to expand."
Family Gratitude and Safety Reminder
Despite the harrowing circumstances, Tietijen's family expressed profound gratitude toward the rescuers. "The fact that they not just noticed [the blood trail], but had the inclination to follow it and to investigate, that potentially has saved her life," Katherine emphasized. "Our family is so grateful. There are no words to how grateful we are to those men."
The mountaineer's family has established a GoFundMe campaign to support her recovery, which has already raised nearly $25,000 toward its $28,000 goal. While Tietijen faces a challenging road ahead, the community's support has provided crucial assistance during this difficult time.
Important Safety Considerations
This incident serves as a stark reminder that accidents can happen to even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Tietijen's family emphasizes that despite her veteran status as a hiker and mountaineer, no one is immune to unexpected dangers in the wilderness.
They urge all hikers and mountaineers to:
- Always follow basic safety protocols
- Be prepared for changing conditions
- Consider hiking with companions when possible
- Carry appropriate emergency equipment
The rescue at Bridal Veil Falls highlights both the inherent risks of wilderness exploration and the remarkable capacity for human compassion and quick thinking that can make the difference between tragedy and survival.
