Sixth Death in a Month at Grand Canyon: North Carolina Hiker Found Dead
A 60-year-old man from North Carolina was found dead at the Grand Canyon, marking the sixth fatality in the national park within the past month.
The man, whose name has not been released, was on a solo backpacking trip along the Thunder River Trail-Deer Creek loop when he failed to check in with his family on Tuesday afternoon.
The National Park Service (NPS) initiated a search, and on Wednesday morning, a rescue team located the man’s body on a route connecting Lower Tapeats Camp and Deer Creek Camp. The cause of death has yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
This summer, The Grand Canyon area has seen a surge in deadly incidents. Prior to this, five other people have lost their lives in the park during August. These incidents include a 20-year-old student who fell 400 feet while on a mission trip, a BASE jumper who died after a 500-foot fall, and a woman swept away by flash flooding. The NPS has advised visitors to exercise caution, especially during extreme heat, which has been a contributing factor in many recent tragedies.
As investigations continue, the NPS reminds hikers to follow safety guidelines, such as avoiding hiking during the hottest hours of the day and staying on designated trails.
With input from WBTV, Fox 10, Arizona’s Family and ABC 15.
