Vehicle rollover near T-Rex falls; two airlifted in critical condition
Published 12:00 pm Friday, June 26, 2026
Four people were involved in a rollover collision near the top of a cliff outside Wilkeson last night, causing their car to slide off the mountain.
As of this morning, all patients, including those who were thrown out of the vehicle down the cliff, have been rescued.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, emergency crews received a text crash notification around 10:21 a.m. last night.
Responders first found two people coming down the trail, who told the crew about the rollover and that the driver and one passenger were still in the vehicle.
The vehicle was located about 12:35 a.m. It was located about 250 feet down cliff, near T-Rex Falls.
Contact with the trapped individuals was made about 1:13 a.m.; both were thrown from the vehicle and trapped in critical condition.
One was trapped under the engine.
Emergency responders first had to stabilize their patients before they could be lifted.
It was difficult for rescue crews to reach the people down the cliff, and the cold, wet, and foggy conditions made it hard to get to the rescue site, even with utility task vehicles (UTV).
The first wasn’t brought up until after 4 a.m.; the exact time was unable to be provided by the PCSD.
The second was brought up at 7:37 a.m.
Both were airlifted to a hospital around 8:30 a.m.
It was an 11-hour rescue.
PCSD Search and Rescue, search and rescue volunteers, East Pierce Fire and Rescue, Tacoma Mountain Rescue Rope techs, Airlift Northwest, Whidbey Island Search and Rescue, the Buckley Police Department, and the Tacoma Police Department were all involved in rescuing and logistical support.
