Veteran Hiker Fights for Life After Fall on Utah Trail

Officials warn of treacherous conditions as snow and ice melt and refreeze on Wasatch-area trails.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A veteran hiker needed a life flight to Utah Valley Hospital after an incident on the Bridal Veil Falls trail in Provo, Utah. Authorities are still investigating the cause, but the hiker's sister-in-law said she is an experienced mountaineer who has conquered peaks around the world. As warmer weather draws hikers to the mountains, guides caution that trails remain hazardous due to melting and refreezing snow and ice.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers hikers can face in Utah's mountains, even experienced ones, as weather conditions rapidly change. It serves as a reminder for all outdoor enthusiasts to be prepared with proper gear and to exercise caution on trails that may have hidden icy patches or other hazards.

The details

The Utah County Sheriff's Office said the veteran hiker, identified as Jacque, may have slipped and fallen off the trail on Tuesday night. Jacque's sister-in-law, Katherine Tietjen, described her as an "incredible soul" who is "so connected to nature" and has conquered major peaks like Everest base camp and Kilimanjaro. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Jacque and her family during her recovery.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday night on the Bridal Veil Falls trail in Provo, Utah.
  • This weekend's unseasonably warm weather could draw more hikers to Utah's mountains.

The players

Jacque

A veteran hiker who is fighting for her life after falling from a trail in Provo, Utah.

Katherine Tietjen

Jacque's sister-in-law, who spoke about Jacque's love of hiking and experience conquering major peaks around the world.

Todd Passey

The co-owner of Wasatch Mountain Guides, who warned about the current icy conditions on trails due to melting and refreezing snow and ice.

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What they’re saying

“Her main love is hiking. Done Everest base camp, she's done Kilimanjaro, she's done countless peaks throughout the U.S. I think she's done every major peak in Utah.”

— Katherine Tietjen, Jacque's sister-in-law (fox13now.com)

“If anybody could get through something like this, it's her.”

— Katherine Tietjen, Jacque's sister-in-law (fox13now.com)

“Be aware of your surroundings — what's above you, what's below you, and what are current conditions like and how is the weather affecting the snow and the overhead hazard like ice and snow that might come off and fall onto you.”

— Todd Passey, Co-owner of Wasatch Mountain Guides (fox13now.com)

“The snow surfaces start to melt during the day as it eats up, and at higher elevations it can freeze again. So, it's hard and icy.”

— Todd Passey, Co-owner of Wasatch Mountain Guides (fox13now.com)

What’s next

The family has asked for privacy as Jacque recovers, but they have set up a GoFundMe page to support her and cover medical expenses.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder that even experienced hikers can face serious dangers on Utah's mountain trails, especially as weather conditions rapidly change. It underscores the importance of proper preparation, gear, and caution when venturing into the backcountry, no matter one's level of expertise.