HOHOCKING HILLS, Ohio — A 69-year-old woman from Ada, Michigan, identified as Shelley Van Dyke, was fatally struck by an uprooted tree while hiking on the Lower Rim Trail at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve on July 1, 2025, according to the Hocking County Coroner’s Office. The incident, which occurred around noon, prompted the closure of several trails in the Hocking Hills region due to flash flooding and safety concerns.CKING HILLS, OH – Hocking Hills State Park officials announced the closure of several trails, including the Old Man’s Cave gorge trail and Conkle’s Hollow, as of 4:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, following a flash flood and a reported possible death.
Van Dyke was hiking with friends on the ¾-mile, wheelchair-accessible Lower Rim Trail when a mature, uprooted tree fell, striking her. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Hocking County EMS. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which operates the preserve, is investigating the incident, with no suspicion of foul play reported. No further details have been released out of respect for the family.
The tragedy coincided with severe weather in Hocking County, where heavy rains caused flash flooding, leading to the closure of trails including Conkles Hollow and the Old Man’s Cave Gorge Trail by 4:30 p.m. on July 1. A Flood Warning was in effect until 4:45 p.m., and park officials noted that nearly all trailheads were impacted by muddy and slippery conditions. Visitors were urged to avoid hiking until conditions improve and to stay on designated trails for safety.
The ODNR emphasized the importance of caution, citing the region’s history of hiking incidents, including falls and injuries from falling branches. Park authorities are monitoring conditions and will provide updates on trail reopenings.
