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Signal Point
Rescue crews on the scene at Signal Point where the body of a 20-year-old hiker was found early this morning.Emergency crews on Signal Mountain have recovered the body of a Memphis man who apparently fell at least 80 feet from a bluff at Signal Point.
The victim, identified as 20-year-old Dalton Downing of Memphis, was reported missing at 1:45 a.m. today, Signal Mountain Fire Department Chief Eric Mitchell said.
"He was off the trail on a ledge and fell from there down to the next ledge," Mitchell said.
He said Downing's body was found at around 5 a.m., and firefighters rappelled down and confirmed the victim was dead.
Mitchell estimated Downing fell at least 80 feet, and his body was found about 200 feet below the top of the mountain. The area is popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The body has been taken to the Hamilton County medical examiner's office.
The Signal Mountain Police Department is continuing to investigate.
This is a developing story. Stay with the Times Free Press for more details.