David Lewis, South Carolina Hiker, Dies While Saving His Dog From Fall

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- A South Carolina hiker is dead after falling 125 feet from a waterfall while trying to rescue his dog.

The dog regained its footing and survived.

Authorities say 29-year-old landscape architect David A. Lewis of Greenville was hiking with his girlfriend and his dog on Saturday afternoon when he tried to stop the dog from falling off a ledge.

Greenville County Deputy Coroner Kent Dill said the man's girlfriend suffered some bruises as she went down to try to help the victim. Her name was not released.

Dill said an autopsy was planned Monday.

Comments

[Madeline Carlisle]

06:32 PM on 05/27/2011

These stories all end the same. The person dies and the dog survives. When will they ever learn?

[Madeline Carlisle]

06:30 PM on 05/27/2011

Another contender for the 2011 Darwin Awards.

[rickythegreat]

02:25 PM on 05/09/2011

FYI The pic that huff post uses is not heritage falls where alan passed away... it is alamere falls in california. why it is used here is beyond me.

[shutterbabe]

03:34 PM on 05/09/2011

Ricky, Sometimes stock photographs are used to illustrate an article. A poster actually pointed out that this way not geographically correct. Thanks so much for your comment. ;-)) hearts

[rickythegreat]

05:52 PM on 05/09/2011

While I understand this, the picture makes it look like this was the waterfall which Alan fell down. It would only take a quick google image search to get the correct picture.

[MyBabysGone]

06:40 AM on 05/09/2011

Thank you for your kind words of comfort and support. David Alan was my son, and as the people who knew him would say (and did say), he was one of the kindest, gentlest souls on this planet. He would have rushed to save anyone in trouble (as he did with his beloved Charlie). The world will surely be a little less beautiful with him gone. He was an amazing young man whose star shone bright. My son is at peace and his soul lives on. I miss him terribly. Love to you, my boy. Dalai Lama: "Love and compassion are beneficial both for you and others. Through your kindness to others, your mind and heart will open to peace."

[felixthecat]

12:29 PM on 05/14/2011

You had a beautiful son Sorry for your loss and i hope his memories and his love comforts you. Sincerely hope for the best for you

[Super Sarcastic]

06:18 PM on 05/07/2011

I like dogs....I like people more than I like dogs.

[tamsinstead]

02:17 AM on 05/08/2011

I LOVE dogs ... MUCH more than I like people.

[SallySassalot]

12:46 PM on 05/07/2011

Why do you need an autopsy on a man who FELL OFF A WATERFALL!?! Leash your pets people.

[tamsinstead]

02:18 AM on 05/08/2011

P'raps he was just letting his dog off it's leash for a run. Waddayathink? I'm guessing the waterfall was in an open countryside area? People.

[Keyop]

04:15 PM on 05/06/2011

I need details

[Tulka2]

03:41 PM on 05/06/2011

Please stay alert when in strange situations with your dog.  Leash your dog whenever you don't know how your dog will react.  Believe me, there but for the grace of God, go I. 

[TERRY TAYLORINSKY]

12:05 AM on 05/05/2011

THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR KIND COMMENTS, I WANT TO CLARIFY A FEW MISCONCEPTIONS. HE DID NOT FALL/JUMP OFF OF A 125 FT CLIFF, THE DOG RAN TOWARDS THE 125 FT WATERFALL, IT CASCADES DOWN SEVERAL LEVELS. ALAN RAN TO CATCH CHARLIE, SOMEHOW FELL INTO THE WATER AND WENT DOWN. YOU DONT NEED DETAILS. JUST KNOW THAT MEARA THEN HAD TO GET DOWN TO ALAN AND CHARLIE. SHE SUFFERED CUTS/BRUISES, THE RESCUERS WERE AMAZED THAT SHE DIDNT GET HURT HERSELF! THE AUTOPSY IS S-O-P, NOTHING SUSPICOUS ABOUT THE DEATH. HOPE THESE COMMENTS HELP UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION WITH A LITTLE MORE CLARITY, PARDON THE CAPS, MY KEYBOARD IS STUCK, LOL. PRAY FOR MEARA AND ALAN'S FAMILY, IF YOU WILL. THANKS!

[bboyy]

02:21 PM on 05/05/2011

I would have ran after my dog also....Its a human trait we can't help. Sorry for your loss.

[shutterbabe]

10:06 AM on 05/09/2011

Hello Terry,

Thank you for coming to HP and clarifying the information about your friend, Alan and his beautiful dog, Charlie. I did not know that Meara was hurt during this tragic accident. It is my heart's hope that she is healing and has much support around her at this time.

Please know that many compassionate people came to this thread and were deeply involved with this story. Alan's accident was a tremendous loss for humanity. It was also a great lesson in love.

I humbly offer my profound condolences. Please extend them to Alan's family and friends. My deepest gratitude to you for sharing the truth and allowing us to have more insight.

With Love,
-sb-

[rickythegreat]

09:20 PM on 05/04/2011

Hey guys.

My name is Ricky. I am one of Alan's good friends. I really appreciate the great feedback that this article has generated. It has been a crappy past few days but myself and Alan's friends and family all truly appreciate the support that he has gotten in Athens and online.

Alan was a great guy who was one of the kindest people I have ever known in my life. He really gave all to everyone he knew.

We currently set up a scholarship in his name at UGA which will be used to get underprivileged kids into the Landscape Architecture program that the school has (which Alan had just graduated in).

If any of you guys wanna give in Alan's name to the program, even the smallest donations will not go unnoticed.

https://www.externalaffairs.uga.edu/os/simple?account=7292400&name=David+Alan+Lewis+Memorial+Scholarship+in+Landscape+Architecture

Thank you huff post for all of the great comments. Alan would have really appreciated them.

Ricky

[shutterbabe]

09:55 AM on 05/09/2011

Dear Ricky,

My deepest condolence s for the loss of your wonderful friend. Did he prefer to be called Alan? I can only imagine how difficult this has been for everyone whose life he touched. As you can see by the volume of comments on this thread, we feel like we lost a precious friend, too.

I had read about his scholarship fund while I was doing some research. It sounds like this would be something near and dear to Alan's heart and a way to perpetuate his memory in others.

Thank you again for your loving comment. Your friend will not be forgotten. I will hold him in close as if he were my brother, too. Please take care of you.

Blessings and Love to You,
-sb-

[rickythegreat]

10:39 PM on 05/09/2011

Hey sorry it took so long to respond... this is my first time using HP and I am still learning the ins and outs. Yes, David prefered to be called Alan.

Thank you so so much for the kind words... He would have really appreciated it. He truly was "the coolest guy" anyone knew. Super laid back, real fun to be around. Getting through this is difficult for us but we are doing it together. If you are interested in seeing a slideshow of his celebration of life... or want to listen to his awesome grooveshark playlist... check out this:

http://www.rickykaufman.com/alan.html

Thanks again for showin some love!

Ricky

[Sam Salinitis]

08:51 PM on 05/04/2011

rip.

[Trickywoo]

04:11 PM on 05/04/2011

It's so tragic to lose a man with such a compassionate soul. Condolences to his family and loved ones, especially his Charlie.

[love5pets]

03:54 PM on 05/04/2011

This man is my hero. We have a lot of Coyotes in our area so when the munchkins go out, I stay very vigilant and alert, ready to pounce, if I see one Coyote enter our yard.. Too many dogs and cats have disappeared in our area.

[wmholt]

10:46 AM on 05/04/2011

This man gave his life trying to save a loving pet. He had his heart in the right place. It's a tragic loss, and I send my condolences to his family and loved ones.

I felt a similar pang of grief when the Aussie Steve Irwin died. He was so deeply affectionate of all animals.

[GodlessHeathen23]

10:43 AM on 05/04/2011

This story is incredibly touching to me. I know for a fact that I would do anything for my dogs. They are truly my best friends and are with me everywhere I go. While the outcome to this story is tragic, I completely understand what this young man was going through to save his best friend and would have done the same.