Woman, 7-year-old son rescued after falling at least 25 feet in canyon at Illinois park

A 37-year-old mother and her son were rescued after accidentally falling at least 25 feet into a canyon at a state park in Illinois this week, officials said.

The incident happened Tuesday night at Starved Rock State Park's French Canyon located in LaSalle County.

Rescue crews from the Utica Fire Department and EMS responded to the area around 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release obtained by USA TODAY.

When officials got to the scene, they found that the woman and her 7-year-old child fell approximately 25 to 30 feet. However, both were "conscious and stable," officials added.

According to reports, the mother was trying to rescue her son when she also fell to the bottom of the canyon. Crews used a high-angle rope rescue system to save them, and photos taken by Shaw Local show them bringing the victims to safety.

Mother, son were not severely injured

Utica Fire Chief Ben Brown confirmed with USA TODAY on Wednesday that the father was also present and climbed into the canyon to help his family. The news release stated that the incident was determined to be accidental.

The victims were transported for medical treatment via helicopter with non life-threatening wounds. The mother and son were not publicly identified, however, officials noted they were from Tinley Park.

Starved Rock State Park, home to more than a dozen canyons, is a popular attraction that reportedly draws more than 2 million people annually. Brown said that falls are not a common occurrence at the park, and the department only responds to an estimated three to four falls a year.

LaSalle County is about 90 miles from Chicago.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.