Heaven Cliff Survivor Heather DeBoord Thanks the Missoula First Responders Who Saved Her Life

A Fall at Heaven Cliff — and a Rescue to Remember

 

On Saturday, June 27, Heather DeBoord was exploring Heaven Cliff near Bonner when she fell approximately 50 feet down the rock face.

 

She has no memory of the fall itself — only of placing her hand on the cliff, and then waking up at the bottom.

 

DeBoord reportedly tumbled down the rock and landed in the Blackfoot River, where the person with her pulled her onto a rock and called 911.

 

The Rescue That Brought Her Out

 

Crews from the Missoula Fire Department and the Missoula Rural Fire District responded to the scene and carried out a technical rescue to bring DeBoord across the river to safety.

 

DeBoord told MTN/KPAX that she felt safe the moment those crews arrived — and that sense of security continued when she reached the hospital.

 

She was treated at Providence St. Patrick Hospital, where she praised the care she received from staff.

 

'I'm Very Lucky and I'm Very Grateful'

 

DeBoord is now recovering from broken ribs, a broken nose, a concussion, and contusions.

 

She reached out publicly not to dwell on the accident, but to make sure the people who saved her received the recognition they deserve.

 

'Somebody is on my shoulder for sure,' she told MTN — a sentiment that says everything about how close this call really was.

 

A Reminder About Our Local Wild Spaces

 

Heaven Cliff, located near the small community of Bonner just east of Missoula, draws explorers drawn to its dramatic views of the Blackfoot River corridor.

 

Incidents like this one are a sobering reminder that even familiar-feeling terrain can turn dangerous fast — and that when it does, Missoula's first responder community shows up.

 

Full coverage of DeBoord's story, including her own words, is available at KPAX.