Grand Canyon tourist falls to death after slipping on ledge

A Grand Canyon tourist fell to their death after slipping off a ledge, officials have confirmed.

The Grand Canyon National Park Rangers recovered a body below Bright Angel Point on Friday, 26 August.

The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a visitor who fell from the rim west of the Bright Angel Point Trail on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

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The body was that of a 44-year-old male who fell approximately 200 ft. below the rim.

"The visitor was off trail when he accidentally fell off the edge," officials said.

An ongoing investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.

UNILAD has reached out for comment.

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The National Park Rangers recommend that the visitors to do the following in order to keep safe:

• Stay on designated trails and walkways and always keep a safe distance of at least six feet (2 m) from the edge of the rim.
• In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier.
• Keep an eye on all the people in your group, especially small children. Make sure that your travel companions have both feet firmly planted on pavement or developed trails.
• Know where the edge is. Watch foot placement and look for trip hazards.
• Do not run, jump, or perform physical stunts near the rim.
• Do not back up without first looking where you are going. 

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Back in 2019, a man tragically died at the Grand Canyon after accidentally falling off a wall edge while trying to take selfies.

The unnamed tourist from Hong Kong fell nearly 1,000 ft at Eagle Point observation area, a remote site near the glass bridge Skywalk.

According to a study, 259 people died taking selfies between 2011 and 2017.

The report says: "It is believed that selfie deaths are underreported and the true problem needs to be addressed.

"Certain road accidents while posing for selfies are reported as death due to Road Traffic Accident.

"Thus, the true magnitude of the problem is underestimated. It is therefore important to assess the true burden, causes, and reasons for selfie deaths so that appropriate interventions can be made."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677