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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — A 20-year-old North Carolina man died from a fall along the edge of the Grand Canyon Wednesday, park rangers say.
The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a fall near Pipe Creek Overlook along the Grand Canyon's South Rim shortly after 10:30 a.m. Rangers said they responded to the scene and found the man, identified as Abel Joseph Mejia, of Hickory, North Carolina, dead about 400 feet below the canyon rim.
The fall remains under investigation, but park rangers said Mejia was "near the edge of the rim" when he slipped and fell into the canyon. The incident is being investigated as an accidental fall.
Rangers declined to release any other information about the incident. Still, they said visitors should always remain on designated trails and walkways and stay at least 6 feet from the edge of the canyon rim. They add that visitors should also remain behind any railings and fences at overlooks like Pipe Creek.
The Grand Canyon retained its title as the most-visited national park in the West last year, drawing in 4.7 million visitors. However, it's also one of the nation's deadliest national parks, averaging 13.6 deaths per year over the past decade from falls and other causes, the Arizona Republic reports.
The outlet noted that only Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Yosemite National Park averaged more deaths between mid-2013 and mid-2023.
With elevations ranging from 7,000-8,000 feet and a dry climate, Canyon Canyon park rangers said many visitors aren't prepared for the canyon's elements. They also recommend that visitors wear and reapply sunblock often, bring plenty of water, rest in shade in the summertime and take their time on hikes and overlooks to avoid fatigue because of the park's unique environment.
