The body of a solo climber from North Carolina has been recovered in a rock field below a nearly 12,000-foot peak in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Rangers believe Alexander Kenan, 24, of Chapel Hill, died in a fall from Peak 11,840.
A commercial mountain guide and his client discovered Kenan's body as they were rappelling down from Peak 11,840, described by park staff as "a notable obstacle along the traverse between Teewinot Mountain and Mount Owen." The guide notified Jenny Lake Rangers of the discovery at 10:15 a.m. Friday.
Two rangers were flown by the Teton Interagency Contract Helicopter to a backcountry landing zone near the summit of Peak 11,840. The rangers made three rappels down to the scene, conducted a preliminary investigation, and prepared Kenan's body for extraction by helicopter long line.
Kenan's body was found among rocks approximately 400 feet below Peak 11,840 on the peak's southwest side. He was found with a climbing rope, helmet, and climbing gear appropriate for the terrain. Due to the location and condition of the body, rangers believe Kenan died from a fall within the past week.
The young man's body was flown to Lupine Meadows at 3:30 p.m.
There are no known witnesses to the incident which led to Kenan's death. The incident is under investigation by the Jenny Lake Rangers. They request anyone who was climbing in the Teewinot Mountain or Mount Owen area on or after Monday, August 21, to call Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 whether or not they saw Kenan.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
