UPDATE: Police have Identified the hiker found dead in Crowders Mountain

A hiker died Saturday in Crowders Mountain after police say slick rocks caused him to fall. Gary Allen Mims, 58, of Gastonia, was a frequent visitor to the park where he was found dead.

Police say a visitor to the park noticed the man's backpack on the top of the ledge and called 911. The caller told operators someone needed help. By the time emergency crews arrived around 3:30 p.m., the man had died.

Sgt. Laura Biggerstaff with Gastonia Police said it took crews around 30 minutes to reach the man. They believe he entered the park through the Linwood Road entrance but are not sure which trail he took.

He was hiking near what is called David's Castle when he fell. Park Rangers say they are not sure exactly how far the man fell. David's Castle is a wall on the mountain used by rock climbers near the peak. However, it does not appear the man was rock climbing Saturday, Park Ranger Mary Smith said. Biggerstaff said rain contributed to the accident. “With all the weather we’ve had the rocks up there were very slick and there was a lot of wind,” she said.

The man was alone at the time of the accident. No foul play is suspected. Smith said the man was an avid hiker and well-known at the park. "He was a frequent hiker. A friend to the park," Smith said. However, they advise against hiking in bad weather. “We would caution people not to be out hiking in conditions like yesterday's,” Biggerstaff said on Sunday.

You can reach reporter Lauren Baheri at 704-869-1842 or Twitter.com/lbaheri.