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Hikers Follow Blood Trail, Help Rescue Injured Woman
Saratoga Springs woman critically injured during solo hike at Bridal Veil Falls
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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A Saratoga Springs woman, Jacque Tietjen, an experienced hiker and mountaineer, was critically injured during a solo hike at Bridal Veil Falls. Two hikers discovered her unconscious at the bottom of a 45-degree slope and provided first aid, potentially saving her life. Tietjen suffered multiple brain bleeds, a skull fracture, and facial fractures, and is currently intubated and sedated while doctors monitor the swelling in her brain.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the risks and dangers associated with solo hiking, even for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. It also underscores the importance of taking basic safety precautions, such as avoiding hiking alone and informing others of your plans. The quick actions of the two hikers who discovered Tietjen and provided first aid were crucial in potentially saving her life.
The details
Jacque Tietjen, an experienced hiker and mountaineer, was out on the trail on Tuesday evening when she suffered a severe fall. Her family believes she may have slipped and hit her head or was hit by falling rocks. She was found at the bottom of a 45-degree slope, and two hikers who came across a trail of blood discovered her unconscious. The hikers provided first aid, wrapping their coats around her and trying to warm her up, until Life Flight crews arrived and transported her to Utah Valley Hospital in Provo.
- On Tuesday evening, Jacque Tietjen was out on the trail at Bridal Veil Falls.
- Approximately 1-1.5 hours after her fall, the two hikers discovered Tietjen unconscious at the bottom of the slope.
The players
Jacque Tietjen
A Saratoga Springs woman who is an experienced hiker and mountaineer, including expeditions to places like Mount Everest.
Katherine Tietjen
Jacque Tietjen's sister-in-law, who provided details about the incident and Jacque's condition.
The two hikers
Unidentified individuals who discovered Jacque Tietjen unconscious, provided first aid, and potentially saved her life.
What they’re saying
“This isn't new to her. She's been in dangerous conditions. She's been on thousands of hikes, and this was just the one where something went wrong.”
— Katherine Tietjen, Jacque Tietjen's sister-in-law (KSL)
“They took care of her, wrapped their coats around her, tried to get her body temperature up.”
— Katherine Tietjen, Jacque Tietjen's sister-in-law (KSL)
“The fact that they not just noticed that, but had the inclination to follow it and to investigate, that potentially has saved her life. Our family is so grateful. There are no words to (describe) how grateful we are to those men.”
— Katherine Tietjen, Jacque Tietjen's sister-in-law (KSL)
What’s next
Doctors at Utah Valley Hospital are currently monitoring the swelling in Jacque Tietjen's brain. If the swelling becomes too severe, they may need to perform emergency surgery to relieve the pressure.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder that even experienced outdoor enthusiasts can face unexpected dangers while hiking, and the importance of taking basic safety precautions, such as avoiding solo hikes and informing others of your plans. The quick actions of the two hikers who discovered Tietjen and provided first aid were crucial in potentially saving her life.
