1 bicyclist killed, another injured after getting trapped under rock on Great Allegheny Passage: news

1 Bicyclist Killed, Another Injured After Being Trapped Under Rock on Great Allegheny Passage CBS News

One bicyclist has died and another was seriously injured on Saturday afternoon after becoming trapped under a large rock along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

The fatal incident occurred near Connellsville following an apparent landslide and rockfall that struck cyclists traveling along the trail. Emergency responders arrived to find two riders pinned beneath debris.

According to the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, one victimidentified as a 76-year-old woman from Floridawas pronounced dead at the scene. A second bicyclist sustained severe injuries and was airlifted by emergency medical helicopter to an area hospital for urgent treatment. Officials have not yet released the second cyclist’s name or updated medical status.

Investigation and Multi-Agency Response

Units from the Pennsylvania State Police and local emergency medical services responded to secure the area and assist with the technical rescue operation. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation to determine the exact circumstances and geological factors leading to the sudden collapse.

The coroner’s office noted that additional updates regarding the victims and preliminary findings will be made public once available.

Trail Safety and Landslide Concerns Along the GAP

The Great Allegheny Passage is a renowned 150-mile rail-trail spanning Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland. Known for its steep river gorges and historical railway cuts, sections of the trail frequently face rock slope stability challenges during periods of ground saturation and freeze-thaw cycles.

Other portions of the GAP corridor have faced similar geotechnical concerns; earlier this year, a section near Allegheny County was closed to trail traffic after inspections identified unstable rock formations overhanging the path. Trail officials continue to monitor slope conditions across affected counties to assess risk and protect outdoor recreationists.