An 80-year-old man tragically died after falling from a boat on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park on Sunday, August 25. The incident occurred near Fossil Rapid, a notoriously challenging section of the river. The man, who has not yet been identified, was part of a commercial river trip when his boat reportedly flipped. Despite immediate CPR efforts by his group and park rangers who were flown into the area, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
This incident marks the latest in a series of fatalities within the park this year, bringing the total to 13. The park has seen multiple deaths over the past month, highlighting the inherent dangers of its natural landscapes.
Recent fatalities include:
- Chenoa Nickerson, 33, from Gilbert, Arizona, who was swept away by a flash flood while hiking and was found dead on Sunday.
- Justin Guthrie, 43, from St. Anne, Missouri, who died on August 1 after falling while attempting a prohibited BASE jump from Yavapai Point.
- Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, who died on July 31 after accidentally falling 400 feet from the rim of the canyon.
The National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner are currently investigating the latest incident. These recent deaths serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with exploring the Grand Canyon, a place of both breathtaking beauty and serious danger.