Hiker pinned under refrigerator-sized boulder is rescued

LEAVENWORTH — A Montana resident hiking in Washington was rescued last week after he became trapped under a refrigerator-sized boulder, officials said.

Ben Delahunty, 28, was hiking in the Cascade Mountains south of Leavenworth when a boulder on which he was relaxing started to slide down a cliff, Chelan County Sheriff Brian Burnett said in a news release.

The boulder was stopped by a tree, pinning Delahunty’s wrist and legs. His friend called for help after they were unable to move the rock.

Getting rescuers and equipment capable of moving the boulder to the area was challenging because Delahunty was a several-hour hike from the trailhead, the sheriff said.

Two helicopters were used to shuttle rescuers and equipment to the area. Rescuers needed ropes to access Delahunty safely and protect against fall risks, Burnett said. Hours later, rescuers freed him.

Delahunty has significant injuries to his leg but is expected to recover, the sheriff said.