The recovery of a missing boater's body from the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park on Tuesday marks the eighth fatality in the park in less than a month and the 16th this year, highlighting the inherent risks associated with exploring the vast and rugged wilderness.
The body of a missing boater was recovered Tuesday from the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, the eighth death in the park in less than a month and 16th fatality so far this year.
Tragic Toll at Grand Canyon National Park: Eighth Death in Less Than a Month
The latest death is believed to be a 71-year-old man who disappeared while on a private boat trip near Lower Nankoweap Camp along the Colorado River, the National Park Service said.
The man’s group called the park's communications center late Monday and reported him missing. Park rangers used a helicopter Tuesday to locate the body about 10 miles downstream.
Tragic Toll at Grand Canyon National Park: Eighth Death in Less Than a Month
The man’s name and hometown weren't immediately released. The National Park Service and the Coconino County medical examiner's office are investigating the death.
Park officials reported 11 fatalities in 2023 and said there are usually about 10 to 15 deaths per year.
Tragic Toll at Grand Canyon National Park: Eighth Death in Less Than a Month
The previous deaths from last month include 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 on a commercial river trip after falling from a boat into the river near Fossil Rapid, and a 33-year-old woman who was also found that day after a flash flood swept her away while hiking.
A 20-year-old New Mexico woman was found Aug. 8 below Twin Overlooks; a 43-year-old Missouri man died Aug. 1 while attempting a prohibited BASE jump from Yavapai Point; and a 20-year-old North Carolina man fell to his death July 31 at the South Rim.
Patrick Horton, a 59-year-old resident of Salida, Colorado, was also found dead over the weekend while on the tenth day of a non-commercial river trip along the Colorado River.
Horton and the boater found Tuesday are believed to be the seventh and eighth people to die in the park in less than a month. The death of the missing boater is believed to be the 16th fatality at the popular tourist destination so far this year.
The park encompasses 1.2 million acres of some of the most rugged and spectacular scenery in the United States, including the Grand Canyon, a gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
While the park offers breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences, it also presents inherent risks to visitors. The vast wilderness, steep cliffs, and unpredictable weather can pose significant challenges, even for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Park rangers work tirelessly to ensure the safety of visitors, but they can't prevent all accidents or tragedies. Visitors are urged to stay on designated trails, be aware of their surroundings, and follow all park regulations.
