Bluffs above the Mississippi River at Bellevue State Park. | Jay Gannett/Flickr
Bluffs above the Mississippi River at Bellevue State Park. | Jay Gannett/Flickr
A woman who died from a fatal fall at Bellevue State Park has been identified as Iris Merfeld, 36, of Zwingle, Iowa Department of Natural Resources said in a news release.
"According to authorities, Merfeld had been visiting an overlook known as Pulpit Rock in Bellevue State Park in the early morning hours of Sept. 18, when she fell an estimated 150 feet from the bluffs to the rocks below," the news release said.
Merfeld was pronounced dead at the scene and no foul play is suspected.
In addition to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Jackson County Sheriff, Bellevue Police Department, Bellevue Fire Department and Maquoketa Police Department assisted in the case, the news release said.
The state park is open, the state said.
It is "rich in archaeological, historical and natural beauty," according to the state.
"The park features beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River," the state's website said. "An enclosed nature center and open butterfly sanctuary showcase diverse wildlife and plant life inhabiting the area. Bellevue State Park is split into two separate areas, the Nelson Unit and the Dyas Unit; camping is only available at the Dyas Unit."
The Nelson unit hase three miles of trails, "offering scenic views of the Mississippi River and restored prairie," according to the website. "... The Quarry Trail leads to a primitive lime kiln, and trails from the main overlook lead to Pulpit Rock."
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