Man falls to death in Sturgeon River Gorge

At 12:15 Monday afternoon, a 75-year-old man died after falling into the Sturgeon River Gorge in Laird Township. Douglas Brent Welker of Pelkie slipped while hiking down a trail and stumbled over the edge of a 20-foot cliff. He hit his head at the bottom and passed away on scene. The incident is believed to be an accident.

Michigan State Police – Calumet Post led the response. They were assisted by Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police, US Forest Service, Alston Fire and Rescue, Bay Ambulance, Pelkie Fire and Rescue, Covington Fire Department, L’Anse Fire Department, and Laird Township Fire Department.