Aurora man’s condition improve after fall

An Aurora man receives critical injuries Friday, has surgery in Peoria 14 hours later and is in good condition Sunday. 18-year old Christopher Stewart fell 90 feet to the floor of “Wild Cat Canyon” at Starved Rock State Park late Friday afternoon. District Conservation officer Hank Frazier says Stewart was trying to break off some ice at the rim of the canyon when he lost his footing and fell.

Stewart was life-flighted to Peoria and had surgery Saturday at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. The Center’s housing supervisor said he is in good condition. A woman with him, 18-year old Tara Watkins of Aurora was charged with having marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Sgt. Frazier reminds everyone alcohol or drugs are not allowed on any park trails.