South Lake Tahoe man rescued from 12,000-foot peak

Bonanza News Service

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — A South Lake Tahoe man was rescued from a 12,000-foot mountainside near Yosemite National Park on Tuesday after he slipped while climbing an ice field, authorities said.

Kerry Knovak, 41, suffered a possible broken ankle after sliding about 20 feet at an elevation of about 12,000-feet south of the east entrance to Yosemite National Park. He was wearing crampons on his boots at the time of the fall, according to the Mono County Sheriff's Office.

A friend was able to hike out to the Yosemite National Park entrance station and notify authorities of his Knovak's situation. Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue personnel assisted by members of the Yosemite Search and Rescue team responded to the area.

A helicopter from the California Highway Patrol was also requested due to the distance and elevation involved. The helicopter crew was able to locate Knovak, and was able to lower a cable to him from their hoist.

The helicopter crew lifted Knovak from the ledge he was sitting on and transported him to the Mammoth Lakes Yosemite airport were they were met by Mono County paramedics. He was transported to Mammoth Hospital for treatment of his injuries.