The body of a missing boater was recovered from the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, marking the eighth death in the park within the past month and the 16th fatality so far this year. The latest victim is believed to be a 71-year-old man who went missing while on a private boat trip near Lower Nankoweap Camp. Park rangers used a helicopter to locate his body about 10 miles downstream after his group reported him missing to the park’s communications center. The National Park Service and the Coconino County medical examiner’s office are investigating the death, along with others that have occurred recently in the park.
In addition to the 71-year-old missing boater, the death of Patrick Horton, a 59-year-old resident of Salida, Colorado, was also reported over the weekend. Horton was found dead by members of his group on the tenth day of a non-commercial river trip along the Colorado River. These two deaths bring the total number of fatalities at Grand Canyon National Park to 16 so far this year. Park officials stated that there were 11 fatalities reported in 2023 and typically, there are approximately 10 to 15 deaths per year in the park.
The recent deaths in Grand Canyon National Park include a variety of different circumstances, such as a 60-year-old North Carolina man on a solo backpacking trip found dead near a remote trail along the Colorado River, an 80-year-old man who died after falling from a boat into the river near Fossil Rapid, and a 33-year-old woman who was swept away by a flash flood while hiking. Additional deaths include a 20-year-old New Mexico woman found below Twin Overlooks, a 43-year-old Missouri man who died while attempting a prohibited BASE jump from Yavapai Point, and a 20-year-old North Carolina man who fell to his death at the South Rim.
The National Park Service and other officials are actively investigating these deaths and working to understand the circumstances surrounding them. The increase in fatalities at Grand Canyon National Park in a short period of time has raised concerns and prompted a closer examination of safety measures within the park. The tragic losses serve as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with outdoor activities and the importance of being prepared and mindful while enjoying nature. Visitors to the park are urged to take precautions, follow guidelines, and stay informed in order to prevent accidents and ensure their safety while exploring the Grand Canyon.
