On Sunday, July 31, 2011, at 12:30 pm, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office’s Big Sky division of Search and Rescue responded with the Big Sky Fire Department to Ousel Falls for a report of a man that had fallen in the waterfall and was clinging to a rock.
A 63-year-old University Heights, Ohio man in the area visiting family was walking across the top of the waterfall when he slipped on a rock and fell into the water. His 15 year old great nephew was able to grab his leg before he went over the falls. His 50 year old nephew was then able to maneuver through the water to the older man’s aid. The Ohio man clung to a ledge while his nephew gripped his leg. Another of his teenage relatives assisted in getting him out of the water to safety.
Rescuers evaluated the Ohio man at the top of falls before escorting him back to the trailhead. He refused further medical treatment and was released.
