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Authorities Identify Kentucky Woman Who Died in Garden of the Gods Fall

Table Rock
U.S. Forest Service - Shawnee National Forest
Table Rock Formation

Authorities have identified a Kentucky woman who died after a fall in Garden of the Gods Wednesday.
The Saline County Sheriff's Office says she is 37-year-old Melissa Riley of Owensboro.

Deputies say they got a 911 call at about 10:45 Wednesday morning, to reports a woman had fallen from the Table Rock formation in Garden of the Gods.

Riley fell about 100 feet. Coroner Jerry Doug Watson pronounced her dead at the scene.

Investigators are still looking into the incident, but they say right now it doesn't appear to be suspicious.

Credit Garden of the Gods Facebook Page

Garden of the Gods is a wilderness area inside the Shawnee National Forest.

Saline County Sheriff Keith Brown says visitors should always remember to wear appropriate shoes and clothing, bring water and food, and a fully charged cell phone - though cell service in that area is not strong. He says letting someone know where you are going and when you expect to return is also a good idea.
 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
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