Hunter falls to death from cliff while setting turkey blind

By Associated Press

Summary

A 71-year-old Cheney man fell to his death in southwest Spokane County, apparently while setting up a blind on a 40-foot cliff.

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Story Published: Apr 8, 2008 at 7:39 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 5:21 PM PST

CHENEY, Wash. (AP) - A turkey hunter fell to his death in southwest Spokane County, apparently while setting up a blind on a 40-foot cliff.

Sheriff's deputies say the 71-year-old Cheney man left home Saturday or Sunday to assemble the turkey blind.

A neighbor became concerned when he failed to return by Monday afternoon. The neighbor found the man's body about 5 p.m. at the base of a cliff on the east shore of Badger Lake, south of Cheney.

Deputies say they found a hammer near a stake by the edge of the cliff, indicating the man was driving the stake into the ground and lost his footing, became dizzy or fainted. The neighbor says the man was a diabetic who sometimes had fainting and dizzy spells.