Police: Beam Rock deaths ruled accident

State police in Somerset County today said they believe a Westmoreland couple accidentally fell to their deaths last March 29 while under the influence of an over-the-counter antihistamine.

Trooper Scott Mackanick and Cpl. Ed Thomas said toxicology results and crime scene reconstruction helped investigators determine that Christopher Cardy, 25, of Ligonier, and Sarah Baum, 24, of Greensburg, both consumed large amounts of the drug chlorphesiramine, a potent ingredient used in cough medicines.

Cardy had 30 times the normal dosage while Baum had four times normal levels, according to test results. Baum died of a fractured skull, according to an autopsy. Cardy died of a broken neck.

Police believe the pair fell to their deaths shortly after they arrived at Beam Rock, a scenic overlook in Somerset County on Laurel Ridge. The bodies weren't discovered until the next morning.

Thomas said Baum slipped on the rocks at one point before she fell to her death and bloodied her face. Baum wiped her face on Cardy's sweatshirt, which was discovered at the scene. He said Baum, a few minutes later, fell nearly 17 feet off the rock, fracturing her skull. Police said she died instantly.

Cardy was attempting to climb down a narrow path to assist Baum when he fell 39 feet, breaking his neck.

Police said the location of the bodies indicated that neither Cardy nor Baum were pushed or stepped off the rock.