Hunter Dies After Falling in Lackawanna Trail Woods

A hunter believed to have gone missing and eventually found trapped on the ground under a climbing tree stand in the woods of Lackawanna Trail Tuesday evening ultimately died at an area hospital, according to Hopatcong Borough Police.

Lt. Thomas Kmetz said police received a call just before 7 p.m. from the owner of the wooded area, who said one of the 66-year-old hunter's family members, concerned because darkness had fallen, asked him to try and find the missing man.  The property owner went to search, following footprints in the snow, and discovered the victim lying on the ground about 16 feet beneath his tree stand. After calling 911, he began administering CPR to the man. 

About eight people, including responders and family members, carried the victim out of the woods as rescue breathing was performed on the victim the entire time they were carrying him out.  He was taken to Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, where Kmetz said he later died.  

The police statement said officials do not know whether the man fell and was fatally injured or had a medical issue and then fell. 

Police have not released the victim's name or place of residence.