Backpacker Discovered Dead in Grand Canyon National Park

A 60-year-old solo backpacker from North Carolina was found dead near a remote trail in the Grand Canyon, raising concerns about hiking safety in one of America’s most iconic national parks.

At a Glance

A 60-year-old North Carolina man was found dead on a remote trail in Grand Canyon National Park.
This marks the 14th death in the park this year and the 6th in less than a month.
The man was on a multi-day solo backpacking trip and failed to check in with family.
Park officials report an average of 10-15 deaths per year in the Grand Canyon.
The incident highlights the importance of safety precautions for hikers, especially those traveling alone.

Tragic Discovery on Remote Grand Canyon Trail

The National Park Service reported that a 60-year-old solo backpacker from North Carolina was found dead near a rugged and remote trail along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. The body was located by helicopter on Wednesday along a route connecting Lower Tapeats and Deer Creek camps, approximately 29 miles northwest of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was on a multi-day backpacking trip from Thunder River to Deer Creek. He was reported missing on Tuesday after failing to check in with a family member. The National Park Service and Coconino County Medical Examiner are investigating the cause and manner of death.

Hiker from North Carolina found dead near remote Colorado River trail in Grand Canyon https://t.co/YjWnUyfzVC

— KX News (@KXMB) August 30, 2024

A Pattern of Tragedy in the Grand Canyon

This incident marks the sixth death at the Grand Canyon in less than a month and the 14th this year. Park officials reported 11 fatalities in 2023, with an average of 10 to 15 deaths occurring annually. The recent string of tragedies underscores the potential dangers faced by visitors to this natural wonder.

A few other recent fatalities in the park include an 80-year-old man who died after his boat flipped in rapids, a 33-year-old woman who was killed in a flood, a 20-year-old woman who was found dead below Twin Overlooks, a BASE jumper who fell to his death near Yavapai Point, and a 20-year-old man who fell off the edge near Pipe Creek Overlook.

Safety Concerns and Park Challenges

The Grand Canyon’s challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions contribute to the risks faced by visitors. Park officials consistently advise hikers to stay at least six feet away from the canyon rim and to take necessary precautions when exploring the park’s vast and often unforgiving landscape.

Adding to the challenges, the park was facing significant water supply issues last week. Several hotels near the Grand Canyon were closed ahead of Labor Day weekend due to “four significant breaks” in the 12.5-mile-long pipe that supplies water to the park. Since July 8, no water has been pumped to either the South or North Rim, complicating operations and potentially affecting visitor safety.

A Call for Vigilance

The recent tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the importance of proper preparation and caution when visiting the Grand Canyon. Hikers, especially those traveling alone, are urged to inform others of their plans, carry adequate supplies, and respect the park’s guidelines and warnings.