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Texas man dies after falling from Sandia Crest while trying to get a better view

Matthew Reisen
Matthew Reisen News Editor
Published Modified

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said a Texas man was hiking with his brother Thursday near Sandia Crest when he noticed a scenic viewpoint — closer to the edge.

BCSO spokesperson Jayme Gonzales said as Russell Thompson, 51, left the trail to get a better view, “he slipped and fell.”

Thompson fell 60 feet to his death, she said, from an area about an eighth of a mile north of the Crest Tram House. On Thursday, BCSO used a helicopter to retrieve Thompson’s body.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office reminds all community members to remain vigilant when visiting our local trails and recreational sites and to exercise caution when exploring off established paths,” Gonzales said.

Thompson had flown in from Texas hours earlier and he and his brother went to the top of the Sandias, planning to hike down La Luz Trail, she said.

“While near the crest, they saw a scenic viewpoint,” Gonzales said.

Around 4 p.m., BCSO dispatch received a report of a hiker who had fallen. She said, “Despite the rapid and coordinated response, the incident tragically resulted in a body recovery.”

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