Fatal Fall at Sturgeon River Gorge

At approximately 12:15 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021, troopers from the Michigan State Police Calumet Post were dispatched to a hiker who had fallen off a cliff at the Sturgeon River Gorge in Houghton County, Laird Township. 

Investigation indicated that while hiking near the water fall a 75-year-old male, Douglas Brent Welker, from Pelkie had slipped while hiking down a trail at the edge of a 20-foot-high cliff.  The male subject struck his head during the fall and was pronounced dead at the scene.  No foul play is suspected.  The fall was determined to be accidental as a result of the investigation.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by Bay Ambulance, Pelkie Fire and Rescue, L’Anse Fire Department, US Forest Service, Alston Fire and Rescue, Covington Fire Department, Laird Township Fire Department, and Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police