PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A North Carolina man is facing charges after authorities say he falsely reported falling from a ledge at Fairy Stone State Park on April 28.
At around 9:39 p.m., Patrick County authorities received a call from a man who identified himself as Nathaniel Clendenin.
He claimed to have fallen 25 feet and to be immobilized on a ledge near Stuart’s Knob inside the state park.
GPS data from the call pinpointed the remote location and sheriff’s deputies, fire and EMS personnel, emergency management staff, and a park ranger were dispatched.
Emergency crews hiked into the area and located Clendenin on a narrow ledge, where he claimed he was injured and unable to move.
Due to the steep terrain and the danger of an additional 25-foot fall, specially trained rope rescue volunteers rappelled down to secure Clendenin and placed him in a Stokes basket, according to authorities.
He was safely lifted off the ledge and transported to SOVAH Health in Martinsville as a precaution.
However, medical personnel found no visible injuries, and he was later released.
During questioning, Clendenin reportedly admitted he had not fallen as he initially claimed.
Authorities say he also falsely identified himself as a firefighter with the Guilford County, N.C., Fire Department, a claim that has since been disproven.
According to investigators, Clendenin has a history in North Carolina of making false 9-1-1 calls requesting rescue.
The investigation is ongoing, and multiple charges are expected to be filed against Clendenin.
Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.






Leave a comment