Death of solo backpacker marks sixth death at Grand Canyon in the past month

A 60-year-old North Carolina man on a solo excursion to hike the Thunder River Trail-Deer Creek loop in Grand Canyon National Park was found dead near the trail last week. 

His family contacted the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center to report him missing after he failed to check in with them, according to the release. 

The next day, a helicopter search and rescue crew found his body near the trail. 

This was the sixth fatality within a month at Grand Canyon National Park, and the 14th this year, according to the Associated Press. 

Last Sunday, park officials reported the death of an 80-year-old man on the Colorado River after his boat flipped in a section of rapids. The same day, the body of 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson was found in the river after she was swept away several days earlier in the Havasu Falls flash flood. 

Three others fell to their deaths from the rim of the Grand Canyon, including 20-year-old Leticia Castillo, who was found 150 feet below the Twin Overlooks; a man who had attempted to base jump near Yavapai Point; and 20-year-old Abel Joseph Mejia, who accidentally fell from the rim from Pipe Creek Overlook. 

Park officials reported 11 fatalities in 2023 and say there are usually about 10 to 15 deaths per year.

According to a NPS study, search and rescue missions have been decreasing since they implemented the PSAR (Preventative Search and Rescue) program. PSAR teams regularly patrol the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, North Kaibab, and Hermit Trails from April to October, with a focus on the hottest months. Their goal is to educate visitors descending into the canyon on personal preparedness and safe hiking practices.

Park officials urge visitors to the Grand Canyon to stay safe by remaining at least 6 feet away from the canyon rim and by ensuring adequate preparation when hiking below the rim. Learn more on the park’s official safety page.

These deaths come amid scorching temperatures and water restrictions due to breaks in the Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline that forced hotels on the South Rim to close.