David DeShazo and I hiked to the lodge, Sunday, December 20th, to stay the night with Ron and Marty Underwood. Just before we got there a German hiker fell, at the intersection of Rainbow and Alum Trails and really tore up an ankle.

If a man ever had a Guardian Angel watching over him, the German hiker, that fell on top of Mt. LeConte Sunday and broke his ankle, had one in his in his pocket.

The hiker was wearing a low-cut pair of jogging shoes, a pair of jeans, and a pullover fleece sweater. This is not a good combination for ten inches snow and twenty degree weather.

When he fell at the junction of Rainbow and Alum Cave Trails, the only practical thing he had was his cell phone. (Another one-half down and that would have been useless.

He called 911 then 911 called the park service. Ron Underwood, the winter custodian at the lodge, overheard the call and asked where the hiker was.

Learning that he was only about 200 yards from the Lodge, Ron and Marty (Ron's wife) went down to see if they could be of help. They found the hiker with a severe broken ankle with the bone actually sticking out the side of leg. He was poorly dressed and worse prepared. His cell phone was his only good choice. Realizing that he was in shock and already close to hypothermia Ron and Marty got him back to the kitchen in about 30 minutes. This is where the Angels come in.

As you know the helipad is several hundred yards from the lodge and at that time it was only Ron and Marty.

The first hiker (Angel) to show up was a nurse that worked in the trauma unit at Knoxville hospital. She promptly took over and knew just what to do.By that time the helicopter arrived and was waiting on it's passenger. The difficult task of getting him to the heliport was still at hand and with only Ron, Marty, and the nurse to handle the job. (Enter the rest of Angels)

When Ron opened the door he said that there must have been 15 to 18 big husky hikers standing outside the kitchen. He asked for a few volunteers. They promptly responded and was at the helicopter in short fashion.

As they loaded the hiker onto the helicopter Ron said he was in a good spirit kept telling him that he would be back to LeConte. Somehow I think he might make it.

We spent the night in the caretaker cabin and hiked down with Ron and Marty the next morning. There was ten inches of snow, the temperature was eight degrees, and the wind chill -5. It was a good hike down even though I took one HARD fall. If you would like more info let me know.

Here is a follow-up by Marty Underwood on 1/8/05.

Thanks Marty and Happy Birthday Diana Strech, way up there in cold, snow bound Michigan:

Dear Ed,

This is Marty Underwood, Ron's wife, after we got back to the kitchen on the afternoon of Sunday, December the 27th we had found the German hikers toboggan and Jacket that were left behind. Ron put these items in his pack and we hiked them off the Mt. When we returned home I called his ex-wife and found out that he had surgery that night and the fracture required 2 plates and 5 screws to secure his ankle. He was one lucky man!! With the clothing he was wearing and his shoes in the weather conditions mentioned in Joe's notes this man could have easily gone into hypothermia. He did not hike with a partner nor did he have crampons to maneuver the very dangerous ice conditions of the day. So, we were very happy that the helicopter could land that afternoon and that so many wonderful Angels showed up. We want to thank those very special people who arrived at the moment that we most needed help. It is amazing to us to realize that God works in such a synchronized way. Ron was able to deliver the jacket and hat to the Hiker's house on Tuesday and found him to be very grateful for all that had occurred in his rescue. He was doing fine, in a cast and using crutches to get around. Thanks, Happy New Year and be safe when hiking in the Mt. this time of year. Please keep David Witherspoon in our prayers! 

Blessings, 

Marty and Ron Underwood