Man survives fall from cliff overlooking Holston River

By Staff Reports

KINGSPORT — A young Kingsport man has survived a fall from a cliff overlooking the North Fork of the Holston River.

Hawkins County Sheriff’s Detective Cliff Evans said 18-year-old Christopher Bridgman and some friends were exploring the Five Caves area on the Sullivan County side of the river Sunday when he slipped and fell onto the rocky riverbank below.

The Kingsport Times-News reported Carters Valley Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Mike Yates estimated Bridgman fell 60 to 70 feet.

Evans said Bridgman had several cuts and scrapes, but remained conscious and was talking with rescuers. He had been reported in fair condition Monday at Holston Valley Medical Center, but was released by late Tuesday morning.