A University of Alabama senior who died when a tree fell in a remote area of Fannin County over the weekend has been identified as Malachi Crain.
According to the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Crain was the camper killed in the incident.
Bama Catholic, the university’s Catholic campus ministry, shared that Crain was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science. He had also been leading a men’s Bible study group for more than two years.
EMA officials reported that Crain and three others were sleeping in hammocks in a secluded section of the Cohutta Wilderness near Panther Creek Falls when the incident occurred.
At around 2:15 a.m. Saturday, a nearby father and daughter called 911 after hearing a tree fall. They discovered the four campers, one of whom was unresponsive and pinned under the tree, while another had sustained injuries.
Describing the area around Panther Creek Falls, the EMA noted that it is “rugged, marked by steep inclines, dense forest cover, and extremely limited access.” The group’s campsite was located roughly 4.2 miles from the closest trailhead, requiring an 8.4-mile round trip for rescue crews.
Aerial footage released by the EMA showed helicopters aiding in the effort to reach the injured camper.
“Without air support, a ground evacuation would have demanded far more personnel, extended the duration of the operation, and increased the risk to both rescuers and the patient,” stated Fannin County officials.
