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Polk County officials have released the identity of the woman who tragically lost her life over the weekend in a fatal fall at Big Bradley Falls, a popular hiking destination near Saluda, North Carolina.
The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Astrid Angelina Madrid Ticas. According to authorities, Ticas fell more than 70 feet from a trail along the rugged terrain of the falls. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene on Holbert Cove Road on Saturday afternoon, where it was determined that she had likely fallen between 75 and 100 feet into the steep gorge.
First responders, including rescue teams trained in high-angle recovery, worked diligently to reach Ticas’s location. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Recovery of her body was described as a challenging and delicate operation due to the difficult and dangerous terrain surrounding the falls.
Big Bradley Falls, while known for its stunning views and natural beauty, has also earned a reputation for being treacherous, particularly in areas where barriers or warning signs are ignored. Over the years, multiple fatalities have occurred at the site, prompting authorities to repeatedly caution hikers about the risks involved in straying from designated trails.
At this time, the Polk County Government continues to investigate the incident. No additional information has been released regarding the circumstances leading up to the fall. Authorities have not indicated whether Ticas was hiking alone or with others, nor have they suggested any foul play was involved.
Ticas’s death is a sobering reminder of the potential dangers present in even the most scenic outdoor areas. Polk County officials urge all visitors to exercise extreme caution, follow posted signs, and stay on marked paths when hiking in the region.
