TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — A young man died after falling from canyon rocks early Thursday morning.
Crews were called around 6:15 a.m. after 18-year-old Alberto Romo fell while climbing canyon rocks near the Twin Falls Visitor Center, according to the Twin Falls Sheriff’s Office. He was with five other people at the time. Two of the teenagers were on the rocks trying to get to the river when the he fell.
The teens were from Hailey, Carey, Twin Falls and Jerome.
According to Lori Stewart, public information officer with the Sheriff’s Office, Romo unfortunately slipped and fell roughly 150 feet into the canyon. It appears he died on impact.
The Special Operations Response Team, Twin Falls Fire Department and paramedics responded to the scene. Rope crews were working from the top of the canyon to lower the man’s body to a search and rescue boat.
While there are no laws prohibiting people from climbing rocks in the area, Stewart says the risks do not outweigh the rewards.
“There’s nothing that says it’s prohibited, it’s certainly not smart,” Stewart said. “It’s very very dangerous.”
A similar incident to this one happened earlier this month, and fortunately that victim survived, but it begs the question, “Why are there no riles, precautions, or laws in place to keep climbers safe?”
Twin Falls resident, John Hodges, is asking the same question and is hoping something can be done to answer it.
“I think that there’s got to be some type of process to keep people from climbing off these cliffs without the right gear,” Hodges said. “It might come down to a law or something because it is dangerous here.”
Josh Kliegl, acting battalion chief with the Twin Falls Fire Department, has advice for anybody who is thinking about climbing the canyon walls, and how to stay safe while in the canyon.
“My suggestion is to stay on the walking trails, the provided trails. They are a safe enough distance,” Kliegl said. “Stay on those trails unless you are an experienced climber or have the gear to accomplish those goals.”
While the Canyon and its recreational potential is a popular spot for adventurers and explorers, Stewart advises people to exercise caution when participating in these activities.
“The canyon is a big draw for people but it is dangerous,” Stewart said. “You really need to be careful when you’re out here, use that caution and make good decisions.”
However, Hodges would advise people to not even attempt to climb the canyon walls as there are too many safety risks.
“I think that you need to be aware of your surroundings, there’s too much slippage if you don’t have the right gear,” Hodges said. “I wouldn’t attempt it, for anyone to even do it. Any age, man or woman.”
If you are planning on climbing the walls of the canyon always remember to bring the correct equipment, go along with somebody, and most importantly, be safe.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover the victim’s funeral expenses.
Copyright 2026 KMVT. All rights reserved.
