SECOND UPDATE: We're learning more about how two hikers fell to their death at a Red Rock trail this weekend.
Sean Randles' family says he spent his whole life helping other people, and it was no different yesterday afternoon. According to family members, Randles witnessed one of his fellow hikers fall off a cliff, so he immediately jumped after her in an attempt to save her life. But instead, they both died.
"I think he is a hero," said Sean Randles' father, Don Randles. "A real hero. He tried to save her, and that's the type of person he was. He was everything to me. He was my son. And it's difficult to accept the fact that suddenly he's just done."
The family says both Sean Randles and Melanie Kushnir fell 50 feet to their death. According to them, Kushnir slipped on some water, causing her to fall. Randles went after her. He started to pull her back up the cliff, but eventually, he lost his footing too. They both fell and died.
"Given the opportunity to save someone else knowing that he's putting himself in harm's way, that is Sean," said his brother Casey Randles. "He spent the majority of his life helping other people, and I wouldn't expect anything less."
Randles' family says he took up hiking six months ago. He has always been athletic, so he quickly took on big roles. That meant he was a leader of his hiking group through rigorous hikes like this past one.
"He's kind of the balance between a tough guy and a sweetheart," said his siSter Rebecca Randles. "He just loves people so much."
"He helped me through many stages of my life. I lost my son to cancer. He was there. He helped me through that process," said Casey Randles.
Sean Randles leaves behind three kids plus grandkids. His children want him to be remembered for his heroic actions.
"He got to try to save some lady's life, and he was willing to give his own in trying to save her," said daughter Kelly Randles. "That's amazing to me. I'm honored to be his daughter."
The family has set up a GoFundMe account. Click here if you want to donate.
UPDATE: The hikers have been identified as 42-year-old Melanie Kushnir and 49-year-old Sean Randles. Both victims were Las Vegas residents.
ORIGINAL STORY
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- Two people are dead after a hiking accident on Saturday.
It was reported around 3:30 p.m. on Pine Creek Trail at Red Rock Canyon. Investigators say several people called police saying a male and female had fallen off a cliff and were injured.
An air rescue unit was able to locate the bodies of both subjects who were deceased.
SECOND UPDATE:
