Cyclist Who Rolled Down Cliff Leaves Hospital

DENVER (CBS4) - A cyclist says his helmet saved his life during a serious accident.

Dennis Kaw toppled 150 feet down a hillside last weekend while he was cycling near Deer Creek Canyon and rescuers were able to carry him up to safety.

Kaw had been riding with a friend and he had just started down a steep hill when he lost control.

"The last thing I remember is my back wheel started sliding. Then I went out. Next thing I know I was tumbling," Kaw told CBS4. "I remember thinking 'When is this going to stop?'"

Kaw's friend called 911 and a team of volunteers with Intercanyon Fire responded.

The terrain was steep, so they used ropes and a stretcher to get Kaw out.

While he was stuck in the canyon, Kaw said it relieving knowing a rescue operation was taking place.

"Just the feeling that your not down there alone is a relief in itself," he said.

Kaw was rushed to Littleton Adventist. He suffered fractured ribs, a sprained ankle and severe scrapes on his legs.

"Pretty much where i didnt have clothing all the scrapes are there."

It could have been worse, though, and Kaw has a reminder of that with the damaged helmet he was wearing that he plans to keep. The helmet has a rock wedged in it from the fall.

"When I saw that rock, obviously if it wasn't for the helmet it wouldve been in my head," Kaw said.