Mark B. Gross, 44, of Northampton, died suddenly after a long illness on August 4, 2009. He served in the Navy from 1984-1988 and was a graduate of the physicians assistant program at Hahnemann University Hospital. He was last employed as a physicians assistant and was previously employed as a deputy coroner for Lehigh County and as director of transplantation at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia. Survivors: He leaves behind his loving wife, Kathy (Benninghove) Gross; parents, Sydney and Irene Gross; daughter, Lauren Carroll; sister, Deborah; grandson, Jordan Carroll; his faithful dog, Bailey. Services: 1 p.m. Friday, Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 17th and Hamilton streets, Allentown. A calling hour with the family will be from noon to 1 p.m. Friday. Interment, Greenwood Cemetery, Howertown. Contribution: No flowers please. In lieu of flowers, please remember the Muscular Dystrophy Association, in the memo please put for the clinic, 5940 Hamilton Blvd. F, Allentown, PA 18106 or the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, 919 Walnut St., Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5237.
Taken from his obituary published August 2009
******************************
Mark Gross was the Deputy Lehigh County Coroner. The following are some articles from cases that he worked on.
Details Sought On Deceased Man
By The Morning Call | August 18, 1991
Information is being sought on an unidentified man who died in Sacred Heart Hospital's intensive care unit yesterday. The white male, 23-31 years old, was pronounced dead by Deputy Lehigh County Coroner Mark Gross at 4:48 p.m. Gross described the man as 5 feet 11 inches tall and about 175 pounds with a medium build. The man had short brown hair, brown eyes, no tattoos and a scar 4-5 inches long on his left knee, Gross said. He was wearing size 30 Lee jeans and blue or green T-shirt with no inscription.
***************************
Second Victim, 14, Dies After Weekend Crash In S. Whitehall
By The Morning Call | September 16, 1991
A weekend accident in South Whitehall Township claimed a second victim yesterday, authorities said. John M. Sulick, 14, of 5576 Keith Lane, Upper Milford Township, was pronounced dead at 4 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Mark Gross said. An autopsy will be performed today, Gross said. Audrey L. Christman, 14, of 2321 Minnie Lane, South Whitehall, was killed in the Saturday afternoon accident. Police said Audrey's brother, Timothy, 16, was driving north on Ritter Road about 1 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.
****************************
Former Deputy Accuses Lehigh County Coroner Of Job Discrimination
by ELLIOT GROSSMAN, The Morning Call | July 11, 1995
A Lehigh County former deputy coroner has accused Coroner Wayne Snyder of discriminating against him by firing him because of epileptic seizures. Mark Gross, who worked on Snyder's staff for five years, filed a grievance with the county after being fired June 29, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act "I'd like my job back," Gross said. "If not, put me somewhere else in the county and give me a chance. If someone does a good job, don't just can them." Because of seizures, Gross has had his driver's license suspended twice since joining Snyder's staff.
*************************************
**************************************
Mark Gross was an adventurer. The following are some news articles that detail a near fatal fall that happened in 1999.
"Hiker Hurt Seriously At Glen Onoko Falls Jim Thorpe"
by RON DEVLIN, The Morning Call | June 7, 1999
A hiker who attempted to rescue a companion dangling by a rope from a rocky ledge fell from scenic Glen Onoko falls near Jim Thorpe early Sunday afternoon, sustaining injuries serious enough to require evacuation by MedEvac to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.
Mark Gross, believed to be from Whitehall Township, fell about 30 feet to a rocky area surrounding the falls, according to Paul Ashford, superintendent of rangers at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Gross was in guarded condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman Glen Onoko's 100-foot falls draw hikers and nature enthusiasts to a pristine, isolated area above the Lehigh River. Reaching the falls, which cascade over a mountaintop ledge, requires hiking a steep incline that has been the scene of numerous accidents.
In the last 20 years, five people have fallen to their deaths and nine others were injured in falls at the popular attraction.
Gross, his wife and a friend ventured up the mountainside Sunday morning. He fell about 1:10 p.m., according to the Carbon County Communications Center.
Park rangers reported Gross's male hiking companion became entangled in a climbing rope. Gross fell while attempting to aid the entrapped climber.
Firefighters from the Jim Thorpe and Lehighton Fire Companies and Jim Thorpe EMS lowered him in a Stokes basket, a wire basket used for injured people who are in places where an ambulance or litter can't be used, said Frank Lauth, Chief of the Jim Thorpe Fire Department.
"It took a lot of manpower over rough terrain to get him out of there," Lauth said. Once Gross's condition was stabilized, he was on the ground within 30 to 45 minutes, Lauth said.
The rescue workers then brought the injured hiker to MedEvac, which landed near a railroad bridge spanning the Lehigh River.
Lehigh Gorge State Park rangers did not know how the climber became entangled, nor did they know the name of Gross' wife or hiking companion.
Glen Onoko falls, which overlook the Lehigh River about a mile north of Jim Thorpe, are part of the state park.
After her husband fell, Gross' wife called rescuers by dialing 911, rangers said.
***********************
"Glen Onoko Hiker Is In Stable Condition Jim Thorpe"
by CHRIS PARKER, The Morning Call | June 8, 1999
A hiker who fell 30 feet from a ledge at Glen Onoko Falls near Jim Thorpe was in stable condition Monday afternoon in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. Mark Gross, 34, of Whitehall Township plummeted from a rock outcropping at the scenic falls in Lehigh Gorge State Park about 1:10 p.m. Sunday, when he apparently tried to help a friend who was dangling from a climbing rope. The 100-foot waterfall attracts hikers who must trek up a steep incline to view the scenery from above the Lehigh River.
But the hike has led to many accidents over the years, some of them fatal, said Jim Thorpe Fire Chief Frank Lauth.
"It's general carelessness. They don't watch what they are doing and get a little too reckless," Lauth said. "They don't see the danger beyond the beauty."
Gross was with his wife and a friend on Sunday. Lehigh Gorge State Park rangers said he fell while trying to help his friend.
Gross' was the latest in a string of accidents at the gorge.
In November 1997, Daniel R. "Ricky" Ziegler, 26, of Mahoning Township fell 200 feet to his death from an outcropping known as Heckle Tooth in Lehigh Gorge.
Twenty years earlier, Mark E. Krieger, 17, of Lehighton plummeted 350 feet from the falls.
Five other people died and nine others were hurt in falls at Lehigh Gorge and at Glen Onoko in the past 20 years.
******************
Mark Gross was married to Kathy Michele Benninghove Givens on 1 Aug 2006 in Jamaica. Kathy is the daughter of Norman Hayes "Bud" Benninghove, Jr. and Frieda Katherine Freimuth.
* * * *
Mark is buried near basketball great Darryl Dawkins.
* * * *
*** Many thanks to Darryl Van Rijn former D Jansen (#47838705) for sponsering this memorial. If you have a moment, please click on the click at the bottom of the page and visit some of Darryl Van Rijn former D Jansen (#47838705) memorials.
* * * *
Taken from his obituary published August 2009
******************************
Mark Gross was the Deputy Lehigh County Coroner. The following are some articles from cases that he worked on.
Details Sought On Deceased Man
By The Morning Call | August 18, 1991
Information is being sought on an unidentified man who died in Sacred Heart Hospital's intensive care unit yesterday. The white male, 23-31 years old, was pronounced dead by Deputy Lehigh County Coroner Mark Gross at 4:48 p.m. Gross described the man as 5 feet 11 inches tall and about 175 pounds with a medium build. The man had short brown hair, brown eyes, no tattoos and a scar 4-5 inches long on his left knee, Gross said. He was wearing size 30 Lee jeans and blue or green T-shirt with no inscription.
***************************
Second Victim, 14, Dies After Weekend Crash In S. Whitehall
By The Morning Call | September 16, 1991
A weekend accident in South Whitehall Township claimed a second victim yesterday, authorities said. John M. Sulick, 14, of 5576 Keith Lane, Upper Milford Township, was pronounced dead at 4 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Mark Gross said. An autopsy will be performed today, Gross said. Audrey L. Christman, 14, of 2321 Minnie Lane, South Whitehall, was killed in the Saturday afternoon accident. Police said Audrey's brother, Timothy, 16, was driving north on Ritter Road about 1 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.
****************************
Former Deputy Accuses Lehigh County Coroner Of Job Discrimination
by ELLIOT GROSSMAN, The Morning Call | July 11, 1995
A Lehigh County former deputy coroner has accused Coroner Wayne Snyder of discriminating against him by firing him because of epileptic seizures. Mark Gross, who worked on Snyder's staff for five years, filed a grievance with the county after being fired June 29, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act "I'd like my job back," Gross said. "If not, put me somewhere else in the county and give me a chance. If someone does a good job, don't just can them." Because of seizures, Gross has had his driver's license suspended twice since joining Snyder's staff.
*************************************
**************************************
Mark Gross was an adventurer. The following are some news articles that detail a near fatal fall that happened in 1999.
"Hiker Hurt Seriously At Glen Onoko Falls Jim Thorpe"
by RON DEVLIN, The Morning Call | June 7, 1999
A hiker who attempted to rescue a companion dangling by a rope from a rocky ledge fell from scenic Glen Onoko falls near Jim Thorpe early Sunday afternoon, sustaining injuries serious enough to require evacuation by MedEvac to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.
Mark Gross, believed to be from Whitehall Township, fell about 30 feet to a rocky area surrounding the falls, according to Paul Ashford, superintendent of rangers at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Gross was in guarded condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman Glen Onoko's 100-foot falls draw hikers and nature enthusiasts to a pristine, isolated area above the Lehigh River. Reaching the falls, which cascade over a mountaintop ledge, requires hiking a steep incline that has been the scene of numerous accidents.
In the last 20 years, five people have fallen to their deaths and nine others were injured in falls at the popular attraction.
Gross, his wife and a friend ventured up the mountainside Sunday morning. He fell about 1:10 p.m., according to the Carbon County Communications Center.
Park rangers reported Gross's male hiking companion became entangled in a climbing rope. Gross fell while attempting to aid the entrapped climber.
Firefighters from the Jim Thorpe and Lehighton Fire Companies and Jim Thorpe EMS lowered him in a Stokes basket, a wire basket used for injured people who are in places where an ambulance or litter can't be used, said Frank Lauth, Chief of the Jim Thorpe Fire Department.
"It took a lot of manpower over rough terrain to get him out of there," Lauth said. Once Gross's condition was stabilized, he was on the ground within 30 to 45 minutes, Lauth said.
The rescue workers then brought the injured hiker to MedEvac, which landed near a railroad bridge spanning the Lehigh River.
Lehigh Gorge State Park rangers did not know how the climber became entangled, nor did they know the name of Gross' wife or hiking companion.
Glen Onoko falls, which overlook the Lehigh River about a mile north of Jim Thorpe, are part of the state park.
After her husband fell, Gross' wife called rescuers by dialing 911, rangers said.
***********************
"Glen Onoko Hiker Is In Stable Condition Jim Thorpe"
by CHRIS PARKER, The Morning Call | June 8, 1999
A hiker who fell 30 feet from a ledge at Glen Onoko Falls near Jim Thorpe was in stable condition Monday afternoon in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. Mark Gross, 34, of Whitehall Township plummeted from a rock outcropping at the scenic falls in Lehigh Gorge State Park about 1:10 p.m. Sunday, when he apparently tried to help a friend who was dangling from a climbing rope. The 100-foot waterfall attracts hikers who must trek up a steep incline to view the scenery from above the Lehigh River.
But the hike has led to many accidents over the years, some of them fatal, said Jim Thorpe Fire Chief Frank Lauth.
"It's general carelessness. They don't watch what they are doing and get a little too reckless," Lauth said. "They don't see the danger beyond the beauty."
Gross was with his wife and a friend on Sunday. Lehigh Gorge State Park rangers said he fell while trying to help his friend.
Gross' was the latest in a string of accidents at the gorge.
In November 1997, Daniel R. "Ricky" Ziegler, 26, of Mahoning Township fell 200 feet to his death from an outcropping known as Heckle Tooth in Lehigh Gorge.
Twenty years earlier, Mark E. Krieger, 17, of Lehighton plummeted 350 feet from the falls.
Five other people died and nine others were hurt in falls at Lehigh Gorge and at Glen Onoko in the past 20 years.
******************
Mark Gross was married to Kathy Michele Benninghove Givens on 1 Aug 2006 in Jamaica. Kathy is the daughter of Norman Hayes "Bud" Benninghove, Jr. and Frieda Katherine Freimuth.
* * * *
Mark is buried near basketball great Darryl Dawkins.
* * * *
*** Many thanks to Darryl Van Rijn former D Jansen (#47838705) for sponsering this memorial. If you have a moment, please click on the click at the bottom of the page and visit some of Darryl Van Rijn former D Jansen (#47838705) memorials.
* * * *
Mark B. Gross, 44, of Northampton, died suddenly after a long illness on August 4, 2009. He served in the Navy from 1984-1988 and was a graduate of the physicians assistant program at Hahnemann University Hospital. He was last employed as a physicians assistant and was previously employed as a deputy coroner for Lehigh County and as director of transplantation at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia. Survivors: He leaves behind his loving wife, Kathy (Benninghove) Gross; parents, Sydney and Irene Gross; daughter, Lauren Carroll; sister, Deborah; grandson, Jordan Carroll; his faithful dog, Bailey. Services: 1 p.m. Friday, Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 17th and Hamilton streets, Allentown. A calling hour with the family will be from noon to 1 p.m. Friday. Interment, Greenwood Cemetery, Howertown. Contribution: No flowers please. In lieu of flowers, please remember the Muscular Dystrophy Association, in the memo please put for the clinic, 5940 Hamilton Blvd. F, Allentown, PA 18106 or the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, 919 Walnut St., Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5237.
Taken from his obituary published August 2009
******************************
Mark Gross was the Deputy Lehigh County Coroner. The following are some articles from cases that he worked on.
Details Sought On Deceased Man
By The Morning Call | August 18, 1991
Information is being sought on an unidentified man who died in Sacred Heart Hospital's intensive care unit yesterday. The white male, 23-31 years old, was pronounced dead by Deputy Lehigh County Coroner Mark Gross at 4:48 p.m. Gross described the man as 5 feet 11 inches tall and about 175 pounds with a medium build. The man had short brown hair, brown eyes, no tattoos and a scar 4-5 inches long on his left knee, Gross said. He was wearing size 30 Lee jeans and blue or green T-shirt with no inscription.
***************************
Second Victim, 14, Dies After Weekend Crash In S. Whitehall
By The Morning Call | September 16, 1991
A weekend accident in South Whitehall Township claimed a second victim yesterday, authorities said. John M. Sulick, 14, of 5576 Keith Lane, Upper Milford Township, was pronounced dead at 4 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Mark Gross said. An autopsy will be performed today, Gross said. Audrey L. Christman, 14, of 2321 Minnie Lane, South Whitehall, was killed in the Saturday afternoon accident. Police said Audrey's brother, Timothy, 16, was driving north on Ritter Road about 1 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.
****************************
Former Deputy Accuses Lehigh County Coroner Of Job Discrimination
by ELLIOT GROSSMAN, The Morning Call | July 11, 1995
A Lehigh County former deputy coroner has accused Coroner Wayne Snyder of discriminating against him by firing him because of epileptic seizures. Mark Gross, who worked on Snyder's staff for five years, filed a grievance with the county after being fired June 29, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act "I'd like my job back," Gross said. "If not, put me somewhere else in the county and give me a chance. If someone does a good job, don't just can them." Because of seizures, Gross has had his driver's license suspended twice since joining Snyder's staff.
*************************************
**************************************
Mark Gross was an adventurer. The following are some news articles that detail a near fatal fall that happened in 1999.
"Hiker Hurt Seriously At Glen Onoko Falls Jim Thorpe"
by RON DEVLIN, The Morning Call | June 7, 1999
A hiker who attempted to rescue a companion dangling by a rope from a rocky ledge fell from scenic Glen Onoko falls near Jim Thorpe early Sunday afternoon, sustaining injuries serious enough to require evacuation by MedEvac to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.
Mark Gross, believed to be from Whitehall Township, fell about 30 feet to a rocky area surrounding the falls, according to Paul Ashford, superintendent of rangers at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Gross was in guarded condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman Glen Onoko's 100-foot falls draw hikers and nature enthusiasts to a pristine, isolated area above the Lehigh River. Reaching the falls, which cascade over a mountaintop ledge, requires hiking a steep incline that has been the scene of numerous accidents.
In the last 20 years, five people have fallen to their deaths and nine others were injured in falls at the popular attraction.
Gross, his wife and a friend ventured up the mountainside Sunday morning. He fell about 1:10 p.m., according to the Carbon County Communications Center.
Park rangers reported Gross's male hiking companion became entangled in a climbing rope. Gross fell while attempting to aid the entrapped climber.
Firefighters from the Jim Thorpe and Lehighton Fire Companies and Jim Thorpe EMS lowered him in a Stokes basket, a wire basket used for injured people who are in places where an ambulance or litter can't be used, said Frank Lauth, Chief of the Jim Thorpe Fire Department.
"It took a lot of manpower over rough terrain to get him out of there," Lauth said. Once Gross's condition was stabilized, he was on the ground within 30 to 45 minutes, Lauth said.
The rescue workers then brought the injured hiker to MedEvac, which landed near a railroad bridge spanning the Lehigh River.
Lehigh Gorge State Park rangers did not know how the climber became entangled, nor did they know the name of Gross' wife or hiking companion.
Glen Onoko falls, which overlook the Lehigh River about a mile north of Jim Thorpe, are part of the state park.
After her husband fell, Gross' wife called rescuers by dialing 911, rangers said.
***********************
"Glen Onoko Hiker Is In Stable Condition Jim Thorpe"
by CHRIS PARKER, The Morning Call | June 8, 1999
A hiker who fell 30 feet from a ledge at Glen Onoko Falls near Jim Thorpe was in stable condition Monday afternoon in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. Mark Gross, 34, of Whitehall Township plummeted from a rock outcropping at the scenic falls in Lehigh Gorge State Park about 1:10 p.m. Sunday, when he apparently tried to help a friend who was dangling from a climbing rope. The 100-foot waterfall attracts hikers who must trek up a steep incline to view the scenery from above the Lehigh River.
But the hike has led to many accidents over the years, some of them fatal, said Jim Thorpe Fire Chief Frank Lauth.
"It's general carelessness. They don't watch what they are doing and get a little too reckless," Lauth said. "They don't see the danger beyond the beauty."
Gross was with his wife and a friend on Sunday. Lehigh Gorge State Park rangers said he fell while trying to help his friend.
Gross' was the latest in a string of accidents at the gorge.
In November 1997, Daniel R. "Ricky" Ziegler, 26, of Mahoning Township fell 200 feet to his death from an outcropping known as Heckle Tooth in Lehigh Gorge.
Twenty years earlier, Mark E. Krieger, 17, of Lehighton plummeted 350 feet from the falls.
Five other people died and nine others were hurt in falls at Lehigh Gorge and at Glen Onoko in the past 20 years.
******************
Mark Gross was married to Kathy Michele Benninghove Givens on 1 Aug 2006 in Jamaica. Kathy is the daughter of Norman Hayes "Bud" Benninghove, Jr. and Frieda Katherine Freimuth.
* * * *
Mark is buried near basketball great Darryl Dawkins.
* * * *
*** Many thanks to Darryl Van Rijn former D Jansen (#47838705) for sponsering this memorial. If you have a moment, please click on the click at the bottom of the page and visit some of Darryl Van Rijn former D Jansen (#47838705) memorials.
* * * *
Taken from his obituary published August 2009
******************************
Mark Gross was the Deputy Lehigh County Coroner. The following are some articles from cases that he worked on.
Details Sought On Deceased Man
By The Morning Call | August 18, 1991
Information is being sought on an unidentified man who died in Sacred Heart Hospital's intensive care unit yesterday. The white male, 23-31 years old, was pronounced dead by Deputy Lehigh County Coroner Mark Gross at 4:48 p.m. Gross described the man as 5 feet 11 inches tall and about 175 pounds with a medium build. The man had short brown hair, brown eyes, no tattoos and a scar 4-5 inches long on his left knee, Gross said. He was wearing size 30 Lee jeans and blue or green T-shirt with no inscription.
***************************
Second Victim, 14, Dies After Weekend Crash In S. Whitehall
By The Morning Call | September 16, 1991
A weekend accident in South Whitehall Township claimed a second victim yesterday, authorities said. John M. Sulick, 14, of 5576 Keith Lane, Upper Milford Township, was pronounced dead at 4 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Mark Gross said. An autopsy will be performed today, Gross said. Audrey L. Christman, 14, of 2321 Minnie Lane, South Whitehall, was killed in the Saturday afternoon accident. Police said Audrey's brother, Timothy, 16, was driving north on Ritter Road about 1 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.
****************************
Former Deputy Accuses Lehigh County Coroner Of Job Discrimination
by ELLIOT GROSSMAN, The Morning Call | July 11, 1995
A Lehigh County former deputy coroner has accused Coroner Wayne Snyder of discriminating against him by firing him because of epileptic seizures. Mark Gross, who worked on Snyder's staff for five years, filed a grievance with the county after being fired June 29, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act "I'd like my job back," Gross said. "If not, put me somewhere else in the county and give me a chance. If someone does a good job, don't just can them." Because of seizures, Gross has had his driver's license suspended twice since joining Snyder's staff.
*************************************
**************************************
Mark Gross was an adventurer. The following are some news articles that detail a near fatal fall that happened in 1999.
"Hiker Hurt Seriously At Glen Onoko Falls Jim Thorpe"
by RON DEVLIN, The Morning Call | June 7, 1999
A hiker who attempted to rescue a companion dangling by a rope from a rocky ledge fell from scenic Glen Onoko falls near Jim Thorpe early Sunday afternoon, sustaining injuries serious enough to require evacuation by MedEvac to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.
Mark Gross, believed to be from Whitehall Township, fell about 30 feet to a rocky area surrounding the falls, according to Paul Ashford, superintendent of rangers at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Gross was in guarded condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman Glen Onoko's 100-foot falls draw hikers and nature enthusiasts to a pristine, isolated area above the Lehigh River. Reaching the falls, which cascade over a mountaintop ledge, requires hiking a steep incline that has been the scene of numerous accidents.
In the last 20 years, five people have fallen to their deaths and nine others were injured in falls at the popular attraction.
Gross, his wife and a friend ventured up the mountainside Sunday morning. He fell about 1:10 p.m., according to the Carbon County Communications Center.
Park rangers reported Gross's male hiking companion became entangled in a climbing rope. Gross fell while attempting to aid the entrapped climber.
Firefighters from the Jim Thorpe and Lehighton Fire Companies and Jim Thorpe EMS lowered him in a Stokes basket, a wire basket used for injured people who are in places where an ambulance or litter can't be used, said Frank Lauth, Chief of the Jim Thorpe Fire Department.
"It took a lot of manpower over rough terrain to get him out of there," Lauth said. Once Gross's condition was stabilized, he was on the ground within 30 to 45 minutes, Lauth said.
The rescue workers then brought the injured hiker to MedEvac, which landed near a railroad bridge spanning the Lehigh River.
Lehigh Gorge State Park rangers did not know how the climber became entangled, nor did they know the name of Gross' wife or hiking companion.
Glen Onoko falls, which overlook the Lehigh River about a mile north of Jim Thorpe, are part of the state park.
After her husband fell, Gross' wife called rescuers by dialing 911, rangers said.
***********************
"Glen Onoko Hiker Is In Stable Condition Jim Thorpe"
by CHRIS PARKER, The Morning Call | June 8, 1999
A hiker who fell 30 feet from a ledge at Glen Onoko Falls near Jim Thorpe was in stable condition Monday afternoon in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. Mark Gross, 34, of Whitehall Township plummeted from a rock outcropping at the scenic falls in Lehigh Gorge State Park about 1:10 p.m. Sunday, when he apparently tried to help a friend who was dangling from a climbing rope. The 100-foot waterfall attracts hikers who must trek up a steep incline to view the scenery from above the Lehigh River.
But the hike has led to many accidents over the years, some of them fatal, said Jim Thorpe Fire Chief Frank Lauth.
"It's general carelessness. They don't watch what they are doing and get a little too reckless," Lauth said. "They don't see the danger beyond the beauty."
Gross was with his wife and a friend on Sunday. Lehigh Gorge State Park rangers said he fell while trying to help his friend.
Gross' was the latest in a string of accidents at the gorge.
In November 1997, Daniel R. "Ricky" Ziegler, 26, of Mahoning Township fell 200 feet to his death from an outcropping known as Heckle Tooth in Lehigh Gorge.
Twenty years earlier, Mark E. Krieger, 17, of Lehighton plummeted 350 feet from the falls.
Five other people died and nine others were hurt in falls at Lehigh Gorge and at Glen Onoko in the past 20 years.
******************
Mark Gross was married to Kathy Michele Benninghove Givens on 1 Aug 2006 in Jamaica. Kathy is the daughter of Norman Hayes "Bud" Benninghove, Jr. and Frieda Katherine Freimuth.
* * * *
Mark is buried near basketball great Darryl Dawkins.
* * * *
*** Many thanks to Darryl Van Rijn former D Jansen (#47838705) for sponsering this memorial. If you have a moment, please click on the click at the bottom of the page and visit some of Darryl Van Rijn former D Jansen (#47838705) memorials.
* * * *
