KSP helicopter rescues college students stranded in snow at Red River Gorge

The Kentucky State Police Aircraft Branch along with several local search-and-rescue units successfully performed a helicopter rescue of four stranded college students in Red River Gorge southeast of Lexington. 

According to Powell County Search & Rescue, the four Asbury College students underestimated the weather conditions and woke up Monday morning on top of Courthouse Rock covered in snow. 

They ultimately decided it wasn't safe to climb back down and called for help around 9:30 a.m.

Officials said it was one of the most dangerous rescues ever attempted at the Gorge.

Officials said the journey to Courthouse Rock is dangerous even in good conditions, but with inches of snow, ice and below-zero wind chill -- it quickly became apparent the safest way to evacuate the students would be with the help of a Kentucky State Police helicopter.

There was no word from officials on how long the students were stranded, but KSP posted on X that all four were on the ground safe and in good shape.



(Photo: KSP via X)