A 67-year-old California man fell off a 500-foot cliff while trying to rescue his dog, authorities said.

The Golden Gate National Park ranger said the man’s dog got away from him, and when he tried to go after it he slipped to his death.

Long after the fatal fall, the man’s dog continued pacing and barking on a perch, as if sensing something was wrong.

The area is popular for dog walkers. Tedd Leblanc of Daly City says the terrain is steep.

“Sometimes things can move around. You gotta be careful. Always be on alert because rocks can tumble,” he said.

Rescuers airlifted the man’s body from the bottom of the cliff.

Later they helped the dog get back up the steep cliff and gave it to the victim’s family.

Park rangers say there are no leash laws in place, but they advise dogwalkers to put their animals on a leash or make sure they respond to voice control.

The area is home to beautiful scenic trails but is very steep.

Source: azfamily.com and The-CNN-Wire