A hiker who collapsed near the summit of Pinnacle Mountain was safely rescued Monday, August 10, 2026, through a major operation involving nine emergency and military agencies.
According to Pulaski County Government, the hiker was suffering from severe dehydration and heat exhaustion after reaching a point high on the mountain.
Firefighters from the Lake Maumelle and West Pulaski fire departments climbed the steep trail and reached the patient. Because of the rugged terrain and the hiker’s condition, responders determined that a helicopter hoist was the safest evacuation method.
Emergency crews requested air support from the 77th Combat Aviation Brigade of the Arkansas National Guard. Officials said only 60 minutes passed between the official request and the arrival of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter hovering over the patient.
Ground crews and the helicopter team then worked together to secure the hiker and lift the patient from the mountain. Pulaski County officials described the mission as a safe rescue and thanked every responder involved. The hiker’s name was not released, and officials did not provide a detailed medical update.
The coordinated response included the 77th Combat Aviation Brigade of the Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas Task Force 1, the Little Rock Fire Department, North Little Rock Fire Department, Lake Maumelle Fire Department, West Pulaski Fire Department, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services, Pulaski County Emergency Management and Pinnacle Mountain State Park rangers.
Officials praised the agencies for their speed, precision and teamwork during the life-saving operation.
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