Hiking adventure nearly turns tragic for Puxico couple

Puxico, Missouri, retired teachers Ray and Margaret Binford are on the road to recovery after falling nearly 300 feet while hiking Aug. 22 in Washington state.

After being in separate hospitals for a week, they are together in Richland, Washington.

The Binfords, who have hiked trails across the United States, including the Grand Canyon, were hiking the Palouse Falls trail when the accident occurred. The couple started to take a trail between cliffs to get to some water when one of them lost his or her footing, and the other fell, too. They likely experienced about a 30-foot straight drop, then 250 to 300 feet of rolling down a steep, rock-covered hill.

They were found about 100 feet apart by other hikers.

Their daughter, Tiffany Jenkins of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, learned of their accident that day from a nurse who used her father's cellphone to reach her.

Because of a possible injury to his eye, Ray Binford was flown to Spokane, Washington, to be treated by a specialist. He also suffered severe injuries to his hand. He underwent emergency surgery for his hand injuries and a laceration near his eye that night and another surgery Tuesday on his crushed wrist.

Jenkins, who was in St. Louis when notified, took the first flight to Richland to be with her mother. Her brother, Derek, of Springfield, Missouri, flew to Spokane to be with their dad.

"Because my dad was carrying the pack and weighing more, he rolled further down than my mom," Jenkins said. "Everyone has told us they can't believe they survived."

Jenkins described Wednesday as a good day.

"My dad is recovering well from surgery," she said. "I need to clarify his injuries and surgeries were both on the same hand, his right. It's looking likely he will be released on Friday and be able to come to be with mom."

Margaret Binford's injuries included several fractured ribs, several broken vertebrae, a shattered kneecap and an injured finger. She also suffered many scrapes and bruises. She underwent emergency surgery the first day on her knee and finger, and underwent back surgery the next day. She also had a collapsed lung that required a chest tube.

"It's been a tough road, and there's still a long road ahead, but it is truly a God-given miracle that my parents are still here with us today," Jenkins said. "We will never, ever be able to thank all of our friends and family for your support. Your thoughts and prayers have helped us make it this far, and I know they will help carry us through the road ahead."

Tuesday was the Binfords' 42nd wedding anniversary.

Pertinent address:

Palouse Falls trail, Washington