A tragic incident occurred at Grand Canyon National Park this week when a man attempting to base jump plummeted to his death. The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received reports of a visitor attempting to base jump from Yavapai Point on Thursday morning. Rangers responded to the scene and found the man deceased 500 feet below the South Rim with a deployed parachute.
Operations were conducted to recover the victim's body on Friday morning, and it was airlifted by helicopter to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The office is currently working to determine the manner of death.
Base jumping is an extreme sport where individuals jump from high-altitude locations and use parachutes to safely descend. It is prohibited in all areas of Grand Canyon National Park, as stated by the National Park Service.
The deceased individual's name has not been released by park officials until he is positively identified. An investigation into the incident is being conducted by rangers in conjunction with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with extreme sports like base jumping and the importance of following park regulations. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.