The Clifton, Colorado man, who survived the 120-foot plunge in his 1987 Dodge Van, was wanted by authorities for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl.

Lyons' van dropped off Rim Rock Drive last Wednesday and tumbled part of the way down into Red Canyon before it became snagged on a rock ledge about 170 feet above the canyon floor. Mesa County Search and Rescue crews rappelled into the canyon and rescued Lyons.

Officials believe that Lyons was trying to kill himself after admitting to police that he had sexually assualted the girl twice.