A Rock Island couple practicing social distancing with a trip into the woods found themselves in close proximity to about 20 emergency personnel after plunging off a cliff in the area of Goodbar Road.

William Cutts, 70, and his wife, Deborah, 69, reported that they were “out social distancing” on their Kobota side-by-side when they plummeted off a cliff overlooking Rocky River in the area of 2389 Goodbar Road.

The incident occurred just before noon Wednesday.

Mr. Cutts, the driver, topped a hill, went down an embankment and failed to navigate a turn. Falling an estimated 20-25 feet, he was ejected from the Kobota as it rolled. Mrs. Cutts remained in the vehicle. Trees stopped it from plunging into Rocky River.

A rescue operation involving Rock Island-Campaign Fire Department, Warren County Rescue Squad, Warren County EMS and McMinnville Fire Department took approximately two hours and started immediately after a decision was made on which direction the couple should be taken -- up to the overlook or down to the river where the Rescue Squad’s boat would be waiting?

Ascent was chosen.

Mutual aid was requested of the city’s Fire Department due to its training in rappel rescue operations. City firefighters have honed their skills in rappelling with recent training that’s included descending from the downtown water tower.

“We are always happy to help,” said McMinnville Fire Chief Kendall Mayfield, whose firefighters used trees to secure their lines.

Mrs. Cutts was hoisted up the cliff first and flown by LifeForce to Erlanger Medical Center. Her husband was transported by EMS to Saint Thomas River Park Hospital for treatment.