A 65-year-old man has died after plunging 130ft into the Grand Canyon, prompting a rescue effort to retrieve his body. The unnamed man fell over the edge of Guano Point on the western rim of the canyon within the Hualapai Reservation, according to the Mohave County Sheriff's Office. A search and rescue team was dispatched to the scene and located the man amid a pile of rock fragments.
The Hualapai Nation Police Department, the Hualapai Nation Fire, and security personnel from Grand Canyon West also lent their support in the recovery effort. Images released by the sheriff's office show rescue teams with a stitcher going down the side of the canyon as the recovery mission went into the night.
The Mohave County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue said: “Search and Rescue responded and located him about 130 feet down on a scree pile.
“Technical rope technicians set up a lowering and raising system using ropes to recover him and convey the body to the Mohave County Medical Examiners Office.”
The sheriff's office added: “Helping on this recovery were Hualapai Tribal Police Department, Hualapai Nation Fire, Grand Canyon West Security – thank you for your assistance.”
The cause of the man's fall is not yet known. Guano Point is a well-visited part of the Grand Canyon, offering stunning views of the canyon from the western rim.
Grand Canyon National Park Trips states that the likelihood of dying from a fall off the rim of the Grand Canyon is approximately one in 1.95 million visitors.
The National Park Service has safety guidelines for visitors, which advises hikers to stay on the designated trails and walkways, and always keep at least six feet from the edge.
No one should cross barriers or rails, and all groups should keep an eye on their members, especially children. No barriers or rails should be crossed over and those hiking in groups should keep an eye on all members, especially children.
It adds: “Know where the edge is. Watch for food placement and trip hazards. Do not run, jump, or perform physical stunts when near the rim. Do not back up without first looking where you are going.”