A Kentucky National Guard soldier who was hiking in Kentucky died after falling from the state’s steepest waterfall while trying to catch a runaway dog, police said Friday.
McCleary County Sheriff David Sampson said Isaac Lee Turpin’s body was discovered at the base of Yahoo Falls by an “out-of-town family” who noticed a tactical backpack sticking out of the water. It was around 11:30am. he said on Sunday.
Officials believe the 23-year-old Army National Guard sergeant likely slipped while chasing his dog, Cujo, who had escaped during a walk around Big South Fork National River Park. .
Cujo was found after the accident and returned to Turpin’s fiancée, the family said.
Touted as Kentucky’s steepest waterfall, Yahoo Falls features a 113-foot drop from a large rock house to a shallow pool.
Tragically, Turpin was an avid outdoorsman, frequent hiker, and lived only 30 miles from the falls.
Photos shared by loved ones on social media show Turpin exploring numerous state and national parks with her pup by her side.
“He loved life and touched everyone who knew him. He enjoyed the outdoors, riding his motorcycle, camping, playing his guitar, and spending time with family and friends. I was there.” His obituary reads:
Turpin was a decorated National Guard soldier and received the National Defense Medal, Army Medal, and Military Meritorious Service Medal.
He is planning a wedding with his partner Cherish Menken, who mourned his fiancée on Facebook as “my light that I always prayed for.”
“If I could choose the perfect person for me, it would be you. I’m so lucky to have had the time I had with you. You keep me more balanced than any other person I’ve ever met.” ,” Mencken wrote on Facebook.
“My love, words cannot describe the hole in my heart. I am devastated beyond belief.”
Turpin’s tragic fall and death remains under investigation as authorities await autopsy results.
