Injured man airlifted from Santa Margarita River area

An injured man, approximately 45 years of age, was evacuated by helicopter from the Santa Margarita River area in Fallbrook at approximately 5 p.m. today.

North County Fire public information officer John Buchanan said the man and his son-in-law had been fishing in the river when he "slipped on a rock and struck his head."

Buchanan said due to the area the man was in, a helicopter rescue unit was called in to lift the man out of the area and into town where a waiting medical helicopter took him to Palomar Hospital's trauma center.

"He suffered serious injuries," said Buchanan.

The man's identity is not available to the press at this time.