RAPID CITY, S.D. – A 19-year-old Rapid City woman died late Monday night after falling from a cliff in the Falling Rock area, authorities in Pennington County reported.
Ava Christensen, of Rapid City, was identified as the woman who died in the apparent accidental fall.
Pennington County Deputies were dispatched to the Falling Rock area around 11:57 p.m. on September 30, 2025, following a report of a female who had fallen off a cliff.
When deputies arrived, they located three females at the top of the cliff. Christensen’s body was later found at the bottom of the cliff with the assistance of Pennington County Search and Rescue. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The death is currently being investigated as an accident. Witness statements and evidence collected at the scene suggest that Christensen lost her balance and accidentally fell from the cliff. Alcohol was present and is considered a possible factor in the incident.
The Falling Rock area is a popular location near the Black Hills.
Several agencies responded to the incident, including the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Pennington County Search and Rescue, Rapid City Fire Department, and Black Hills Life Flight.