Man falls several stories while free climbing in Peoria

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Authorities say a climber who was seriously injured in a fall from a cliff outside Phoenix has been airlifted to a hospital.

Peoria Fire Department officials say the 35-year-old man fell a distance equivalent to several stories while free climbing early Monday at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, northwest of Phoenix. The man's name has not been released.

Free climbing is a form of rock climbing that typically does not involve equipment -- such as ropes, pegs or harnesses.

Peoria Fire Department spokesman Tim Eiden says the climber suffered multiple injuries, and was transported to a hospital via helicopter.