ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT – A horrific accident claimed the life of a 40-year-old canyoneer at Zion National Park after a fall in Heaps Canyon on October 5.
The man, who remains unidentified, was with a group of three others following a permitted route through the canyon when he fell from a height estimated between 150 and 200 feet. The fatal incident occurred around 6 p.m., as stated in an official press release that was given by the park.
Emergency response teams, including Zion National Park’s Technical Search and Rescue Team and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, quickly arrived at the scene to administer critical medical care.
Although the Utah Department of Public Safety transported him via helicopter for further aid by the Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue team and Intermountain Life Flight, the victim was sadly pronounced dead before reaching a hospital.
The next morning, the remaining members of the group were safely airlifted by a DPS helicopter from the site. In response to the tragedy, Zion National Park officials expressed their sorrow.
The park and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office continue their investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death.