LAIRD TOWNSHIP — A hiker was killed Monday when he fell from a cliff at Sturgeon River Gorge in Houghton County’s lake Township. Douglas Brent Welker, 75, of Pelkie, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Michigan State Police.

At approximately 12:15 p.m., troopers from the Michigan State Police Calumet Post were responded to a call of a hiker who had fallen off a cliff at the Sturgeon River Gorge. Investigation indicated that while hiking near the water fall Welker had slipped while hiking down a trail at the edge of a 20-foot-high cliff. He struck his head during the fall and was pronounced dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected. The fall was determined to be accidental as a result of the investigation.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by Bay Ambulance, Pelkie Fire and Rescue, L’Anse Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service, Alston Fire and Rescue, Covington Fire Department, Laird Township Fire Department, and Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police.