Abel Joseph Mejia dies in fatal Grand Canyon fall
Fatal Grand Canyon fall death of Abel Joseph Mejia – Obituary
A 20-year-old man from Hickory, North Carolina, tragically lost his life after falling near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim on Wednesday, according to park rangers.
The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center was alerted to the incident near Pipe Creek Overlook shortly after 10:30 a.m. Responding rangers discovered Abel Joseph Mejia deceased approximately 400 feet below the canyon rim.
The circumstances surrounding the fall are under investigation. Rangers reported that Mejia was situated near the canyon’s edge when he lost his footing and fell. Authorities are treating the incident as an accidental fall.
Additional details about the incident have not been released. Rangers emphasize the importance of staying on marked trails, maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from the canyon edge, and adhering to safety barriers at overlooks.
The Grand Canyon remains the most-visited national park in the Western United States, attracting 4.7 million visitors last year. Despite its popularity, it ranks among the nation’s most dangerous parks, with an average of 13.6 deaths per year over the past decade due to falls and other incidents, according to the Arizona Republic. Only Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Yosemite National Park have recorded higher fatality rates between mid-2013 and mid-2023.
Given the park’s high elevation of 7,000-8,000 feet and arid climate, rangers advise visitors to be prepared for the harsh conditions. They recommend frequent use of sunblock, ample hydration, seeking shade during the summer, and pacing oneself during hikes and while at overlooks to prevent exhaustion.
Fatal Grand Canyon fall death of Abel Joseph Mejia – Obituary A 20-year-old man from Hickory, North Carolina, tragically lost his life after falling near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim on Wednesday, according to park rangers. The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center was alerted to the incident near Pipe Creek Overlook shortly after 10:30 a.m.…
Fatal Grand Canyon fall death of Abel Joseph Mejia – Obituary A 20-year-old man from Hickory, North Carolina, tragically lost his life after falling near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim on Wednesday, according to park rangers. The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center was alerted to the incident near Pipe Creek Overlook shortly after 10:30 a.m.…