BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON — A man who was rock climbing in Big Cottonwood Canyon fell 80 feet and severely burned his hands Sunday.

The 22-year-old man was rock climbing near students in a University of Utah high-angle rescue class when he became disconnected from the rope and fell about 80 feet just outside of Dogwood Campground. The victim was able to keep hold of the rope as he plunged the 80 feet. He suffered no lower-body injuries, Unified Fire Authority Capt. Brad Taylor said.

Emergency responders transported the victim by ground ambulance to a nearby hospital with severe rope burn to his hands.

"We don't know if there was equipment failure or human error," Taylor said.

The accident is still under investigation.

— Lana Groves