A tragic incident unfolded in Grand Canyon National Park as a 60-year-old solo backpacker from North Carolina was discovered deceased near a remote trail along the Colorado River. The hiker's body was located by helicopter on a route connecting Lower Tapeats and Deer Creek camps, both accessible from the North Rim of the park.
The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was on a multiday backpacking trip from Thunder River to Deer Creek. Concern arose when the hiker failed to check in with a family member, prompting a search operation that led to the grim discovery.
The Park Service and Coconino County Medical Examiner are currently investigating the cause and manner of the hiker's death. The challenging route between the campsites, situated approximately 4,400 feet below the North Rim, offers breathtaking views of colorful rock formations, canyons, waterfalls, and pools accessible via steep and sometimes arduous trails.
This unfortunate incident marks the sixth fatality in the Grand Canyon in less than a month and the 14th this year. Tragically, the park has seen 11 fatalities in 2023, with an average of 10 to 15 deaths occurring annually.
Among the recent fatalities reported, an 80-year-old man lost his life after falling from a boat into the river near Fossil Rapid. Additionally, the body of a 33-year-old woman from Gilbert, Arizona, was recovered following a flash flood incident while hiking on August 22.
Other tragic incidents include the discovery of a 20-year-old woman from New Mexico below Twin Overlooks, the death of a 43-year-old man from Missouri while attempting a BASE jump from Yavapai Point, and a 20-year-old man from North Carolina who fell to his death at the South Rim.
