Climber Rescued Near Leavenworth

Crews have rescued a 23-year-old Lynnwood man who fell while climbing west of Leavenworth.

Chelan County Sheriff Brian Burnett says Jacob Smith was hoisted out of the Icicle Creek area early Sunday. A second aircraft was sent from Spokane to get him, after a Navy helicopter from Whidbey Island was pushed back by bad weather.

Smith was taken to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee.

Smith was climbing with a partner when he fell between 10 to 15 feet when a hand hold broke free while he was ascending a route. He fractured his ankle.

Deputies responded to the area Saturday after an emergency beacon sent out a help signal. They were eventually contacted by Smith's partner, who had hiked out for help.

Rescuers reached Smith by ground, but the steep, rocky terrain required helicopter assistance.