‘Louis at his finest’: Boy Scout helps save father, brother after terrifying fall off cliff

(InvestigateTV) — Hiking can be a great family activity and an inexpensive way to get outdoors.

However, this St. Louis family’s walk through the woods almost turned deadly after two people fell off a cliff.

Louis Miklovic is 12 years old and has autism. He is also a Boy Scout and has earned more than a dozen merit badges and medals during his time in Scouts.

Every year, he and his family take part in a Labor Day weekend camping trip at Washington State Park, encompassing more than 2,000 acres of hiking trails, scenic overlooks and campsites.

After hiking by a family-favorite cave, all three were walking alongside the edge of a cliff when Louis’s younger brother Peter lost his footing near the edge.

In his effort to grab Peter, Louis’s father Josh was carried over the side of the 80-foot cliff as well. He remembers free-falling with his son in his arms, before crashing down on the ground below.

After seeing his father and brother fall, Louis ran through the woods and found his way to a roadway, where a Missouri State Parks Ranger happened to be driving by.

Miklovic said he’s grateful his son was able to put his Boy Scout knowledge to work to find his way out of the woods and clearly articulate to the ranger what happened, and where they had fallen.

“How he communicates with others is a challenge but that day it was all clear, it was all clear,” said Miklovic. “That is 100 percent Louis at his finest.”

Reporter Caroline Hecker explains how the 12-year-old’s quick thinking helped save their lives.

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