The body of a missing boater was found in Grand Canyon National Park, bringing the total number of fatalities at the park to 16 this year. The 71-year-old man had disappeared during a private boat trip, with his absence noted when his hat and water bottle were left behind. Park officials were informed by his group near Lower Nankoweap Camp, approximately 53 miles from the trip’s starting point. Utilizing a helicopter, rangers located the body about 10 miles downstream. The individual’s identity and place of residence have not been disclosed.
Investigations into the death are being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County medical examiner’s office. A separate inquiry is also underway regarding the passing of a 59-year-old man from Colorado, who was found dead during a rafting expedition on the Colorado River last weekend.
Joelle Baird, a park spokeswoman, mentioned that the park typically sees 10-15 deaths annually. Causes of this year’s fatalities include drownings, falls, natural causes, and a heart attack. Some cases are still pending determination. In recent incidents, a 20-year-old man from North Carolina fell from the South Rim, while a 43-year-old man from Missouri lost his life attempting a BASE jump from Yavapai Point.
Additionally, a 20-year-old woman from New Mexico was discovered below Twin Overlooks, and a 33-year-old woman from Gilbert, Arizona died after being swept away in the Colorado River while on a hiking trip in a nearby canyon. An 80-year-old man perished after falling from a boat near Fossil Rapid during a commercial river journey, and a 60-year-old man from North Carolina was found dead near a remote trail along the Colorado River while on a solo backpacking excursion.