A high-angle rescue worker descends the Hawks Nest cliff to reach the accident victims.

By Sharon Siegel

SPARROWBUSH, N.Y. – An early Wednesday morning accident on Route 97 near the steep cliffs of the Hawks Nest brought police, fire, and ambulance personnel to what became a rather unusual search and rescue for two missing victims.

According to Sparrowbush Engine Co. Fire Chief Jack Flynn, who served as Incident Commander, the accident was reported just after 1 a.m. Wed., July 22. A caller had reported a heavily damaged abandoned vehicle in which air bags were deployed.

“As I drove across the Hawks Nest, they apparently saw my red lights and thought I was the police,” said Flynn of the vehicle’s two occupants. “So they jumped over the wall, not realizing that there was a 100-foot drop on the other side.”

A series of events eventually led to the rescue of passenger Christina Zeiniger, 30, of Port Jervis, and her transport to Bon Secours Community Hospital, and the arrest of the 2001 Kia Spectra’s driver, Robert Ackerly, 25, also of Port Jervis.

With New York State Police and other emergency personnel on the scene, Flynn said Port Jervis Ambulance driver Art Aumick reported seeing a dog standing near a wall on the Hawks Nest. Upon investigation, Ackerly and his passenger were discovered lying on the rocks and trees in that area below the Hawks Nest.

Assistance was immediately requested from Port Jervis and Sparrowbush High Angle Teams.

“That was the only way to get them out,” said Flynn of the steep rescue area.

During the difficult, strenuous rescue of his passenger, Ackerly took the opportunity to flee the scene in the dark, making his way along a steep trail at the bottom of the Hawks Nest. He was later spotted by two members of the Sparrowbush Ladies Auxiliary, at approximately 5 a.m., walking north on Wilson Road off of Route 42.

“I deemed it suspicious and related the info to NYSP, who sent two vehicles to the scene and apprehended the individual,” said Flynn. “Amazingly he had minor injuries. It also was amazing that he did not slip and fall to his death into the river under the Hawks Nest.”

Ackerley was charged with multiple violations, including leaving the scene of an accident, driving with impaired ability, and obstructing government administration. Zeiniger was treated for multiple contusions and released.

Besides the High Angle Teams, the Sparrowbush, Port Jervis, Matamoras, Westfall and Lumberland Dive Teams and rescue boats were dispatched to No. 2 Beach to search along the river under the Hawks Nest. Due to the darkness and fog this required very careful maneuvering. Huguenot’s Rescue was sent to No. 2 Beach to illuminate the scene for the divers, and Matamoras and Sparrowbush Rescues were used to illuminate the Hawks Nest High Angle Team work site. Port Jervis Fire Department’s ladder truck was used as an anchor site for the Sparrowbush and PJ High Angle Teams to work from. Orange County Coordinators Jim Rohner and John Tunney, and Sullivan County Coordinator Joe Mellan assisted in the total operation. Regional, Port Jervis, and Westfall ambulance teams were in attendance on the Hawks Nest and No. 2 Beach for any injuries that might result to rescue personnel and for the victims, once they were recovered.