A Kentucky man described as a beloved member of the rock climbing community died Monday after he fell while climbing in Red River Gorge, according to authorities.

Martin Vogel, 59, of Zoe, died after falling at the Muir Valley rock climbing area, according to the Wolfe County Coroner's Office.

The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team said it responded about 4:15 p.m. Monday to the reported incident.

"Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers," the search and rescue team posted on its Facebook page. "The climbing community has lost a good friend. The incident is under investigation."

While authorities work to determine the cause of the fall, the coroner said investigators checked Vogel's equipment and found nothing faulty, WYMT reported.

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According to its website, Muir Valley is a nonprofit nature preserve and rock climbing park within the Red River Gorge area.

It is approximately 360 acres in size and "walled in by over seven miles of majestic cliffs of hard Corbin Sandstone that range in height from 20 feet to over 200 feet," the Muir Valley website states.

The Muir Valley Facebook page said Vogel, who went by "Marty," was "heavily involved" in coaching a Lee County youth climbing team and also served on a volunteer maintenance team at Muir Valley.

"If you climbed with Marty you knew he always brought a smile and his psych to climb. He loved to climb, but he also loved to give back to his community," Muir Valley posted on its Facebook page. "...He will be missed by many."

Reach Billy Kobin at bkobin@courierjournal.com or 502-582-7030. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/subscribe.