A 60-year-old man from North Carolina was found dead in the Grand Canyon National Park after embarking on a solo hiking trip. The man, whose name was not released, was discovered along a rugged and remote trail connecting the Lower Tapeats and Deer Creek camps. He had set off on a multi-day backpacking trip from Thunder River to Deer Creek and was reported missing after failing to check in with a family member. The National Park Service (NPS) and the Coconino County Medical Examiner are investigating the incident.
The hiker’s death marks the sixth fatality at the park in less than a month and the 14th this year. Park officials reported 11 deaths in 2023, with an average of 10 to 15 deaths per year. Other recent deaths at the park include 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. Additionally, a 20-year-old woman from New Mexico was found dead below Twin Overlooks, a 43-year-old man from Missouri died while attempting a BASE jump, and a 20-year-old man from North Carolina fell to his death at the South Rim.
The park has also been dealing with breaks in its only water pipeline, which has led to hotels shutting down overnight stays within the park. The park officials continue to investigate the recent deaths and are urging visitors to be cautious while exploring the Grand Canyon National Park. The Associated Press has contributed to this report, providing additional information on the series of deaths and incidents that have occurred in the park.
The National Park Service (NPS) is working alongside the Coconino County Medical Examiner to investigate the death of the 60-year-old man from North Carolina who was found along a remote trail in the Grand Canyon National Park. The man had embarked on a solo backpacking trip from Thunder River to Deer Creek and was reported missing when he failed to check in with a family member. This recent fatality marks the sixth death in the park in less than a month, with 14 deaths reported so far this year, exceeding the average annual mortality rate of 10 to 15 deaths.
The series of deaths at the Grand Canyon National Park includes incidents like an 80-year-old man falling from a boat into the river near Fossil Rapid and a 33-year-old woman being swept away by a flash flood while hiking. Other fatalities include a 20-year-old woman found dead below Twin Overlooks, a 43-year-old man who died during a BASE jump, and a 20-year-old man who fell to his death at the South Rim. Additionally, the park has been facing challenges with breaks in its water pipeline, leading to closures of hotels for overnight stays within the park.
Park officials continue to investigate the recent deaths and stress the importance of caution for all visitors exploring the Grand Canyon National Park. The Associated Press has provided additional details on the incidents, shedding light on the dangers and risks associated with outdoor activities in the park. The National Park Service urges hikers and backpackers to be prepared, follow safety guidelines, and alert others about their plans before embarking on solo journeys to remote areas within the park.
