SOUTH LAKE TAHOE – A 21-year-old Airman from Beale Air Force Base died the afternoon of Sept. 5 after falling while hiking near Cascade Falls.

According to Lake Valley Fire Department, who responded to the call along with El Dorado County Search and Rescue, Airman 1st Class Tyler Oimoen fell 40 feet from granite rocks, then tumbled another 60 feet on the rocky terrain.

LVFD and El Dorado County Search and Rescue hiked to the spot where Oimoen lay, but were unable to save him.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter removed his body.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Airman Oimoen’s family, coworkers and friends,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Mountcastle of Beale Air Force Base near Marysville, Calif. “During this difficult time, we are caring for his family and coworkers with the support of the Beale community.”

Oimoen was assigned to the 9th Force Support Squadron as a food service apprentice. He came from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin and had been stationed there for over a year.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Cascade Falls is most commonly accessed from the Bayview Trail opposite Inspiration Point near Emerald Bay. Though the hike is categorized as easy to moderate, its sloping rocks can be slippery.