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Edina Woman Falls From Red Wing Cliff, Dies

RED WING (WCCO) -- A beautiful hike in Red Wing turned into a tragedy when an Edina woman accidentally fell to her death.

According to Red Wing Fire Chief Tom Schneider, a 75-year-old Mavis Knudson and her son were walking the most treacherous trail of Barn Bluff when she accidentally fell.

"One of the parties had somehow slipped and gone over the edge of one those steep places. The second party, in an attempt to locate that individual, went over the edge as well," said Schneider.

Mavis Knudson fell 200 feet down the face of the bluff. She did not survive.

Her son, Steven, fell 60 feet trying to save her. It took firefighters three hours to rescue him from the bluff.

The trails have been a destination for generations. On them, signs warn hikers of rough trails, loose rocks and steep falls.

Schneider warns all who walk Barn Bluff to not be fooled by its beauty.

"I've taken this trail myself, but it's not for everyone," said Schneider. "Pay attention to the signs. They are there for a reason and they mean it."

Steven is recovering at the hospital in Red Wing and is expected to be OK.

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