Grand Canyon National Park staff are asking visitors to be careful during theri visit. On Tuesday, a visitor fell 500 feet to their death from Mather point after climbing over a railing there/NPS file photo
It's summer, you're in a national park, what's to worry about? Well, quite a lot, actually, if you're not careful. At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, staff are hoping visitors have a great time, but asking that they take a few precautions to ensure they have a wonderful vacation. They do that in the wake of a visitor who fell 500 feet to their death on Tuesday.
* Stay on designated trails and walkways and always keep a safe distance 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 of the people in your group, especially small children. Make sure that your travel companions have both feet firmly planted on pavement or developed trails at all times.
* Know where the edge is. Watch foot placement and look for trip hazards. Do not run, jump, or perform physical stunts when near the rim.
* Know the altitude, the South Rim sits at 7,000 feet and the North Rim sits at just over 8,000 feet. Individuals coming from sea level or with health conditions should take time to acclimate to the elevation. Drink plenty of fluids, rest frequently, and do not overexert yourself.
* Check the weather! Monsoon season is quickly approaching and afternoon lightning and heavy rain become daily occurrences. Remember, when it roars go indoors.
* Stay a safe distance away from wild animals. A good rule is two bus lengths or if you can cover an animal with your thumb. Remember, do not feed or water wildlife.
Each year, Grand Canyon visitors suffer from slips, trips, and falls that can result in serious injury or even death. On Tuesday, rangers responded to reports of a visitor who had climbed over a railing at Mather Point, lost footing, and fell approximately 500 feet. The fall was fatal. At this time, an investigation is under way and no further information is available.
Grand Canyon National Park expects increased visitation through the weekend. Plan to arrive early and pack your patience. Parking lots can fill as early as 10 a.m. Prior to arriving at the park you can purchase a 7-day pass on your mobile device by visiting www.yourpassnow.com and selecting Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors are also encouraged to use the free shuttle bus system including the option to park in the gateway town of Tusayan and ride into the South Rim Village.
Comments
We were there in early June. So many idiots climbing where they weren't supposed to be. My daughters and I had to leave because people were making us so nervous.
Husband and I were there 10 yrs. ago, saw this behavior too. There's plenty of signs warning of dangers. Bought the book "Death in the Grand Canyon" there. Glad i didnt read it beforehand. People are scary
Sadly, it's nature's way of thinning the gene pool. Been to the canyon several years ago. They had the idiots even back then.
We visited a year ago and this was the same problem I had. In the end I had to leave because I have no desire to see someone fall to their death on my vacation, it worse yet Lise a child over a stupid picture.
We we were there at the south rim in 2013 and it was hard to enjoy myself because of all the parents letting the little ones run around. I was terrified for their safety. Also people standing so close to the edge right at the gravel.. Some people have absolutely no common sense.
It's not JUST on the outcroppings of rock and at scenic overlooks! I was at the Grand Canyon this early June, 2018. (This IS a TRUE story).
My "girlfriend" age 63 and I age 56 were walking out to one of the viewpoints ON THE SIDEWALK with me walking 25 or 30 feet in front of her. She falls head-first into the pavement smashing the entire side of her face (later fully black and blue with deep black-eye).
She then blames her little 15 pound dog for, "pulling her forward". And me, for waking her "too early" at 7:30AM (at THE GRAND CANYON). Though we'd been awake 45 minutes. 3 days later, with her STILL blaming me, and making a loud scene still out of anger AT ME, we pack up to leave the park heading on East toward Page / Lake Powell.
Driving out. I find myself out of my car on the side of the road being frisked then questioned by 3 park rangers for literally between 20 to 30 minutes, because she's all black and blue on the side of her face and with a lower front tooth still missing from LONG before our trip (which SHE still continues to be irresponsible about and fix).
While she thankfully does tell them the truth, and I have to show them the video I was taking when she fell and I forgot to turn off the camera running back towards her. The entire trip goes down the drain never the less. As she STILL refuses to apologise to me in any form for her accident (as I'd seen it in 2 seconds) doesn't want to go to the hospital despite my continued urgings, and still holds ME responsible "for waking her" and her fall 45 minutes later.
I take her to the hospital in Flagstaff instead, where everything's found to be ok, then home to S. California 500 miles, all with her still refusing to apologise in any form. As usual, she pays for 1/2 the entire trip's gas ONLY, in my car and camper. I cover everything else.
And after I figure it all out for her, that she "secretly and apparently" BLAMES ME (not JUST her dog) she finally apologses 2 days later. My only big trip for the year completely murdered. I know, I sound completely self-absorbed.
So yes, STRANGE THINGS do happen at the national parks. Be careful. Think (apparently before you walk!). I have never laid a hand on a woman in my entire life, and never will. I did nothing. This IS a TOTALLY TRUE story.
So EVEN YOU cannot be FULLY SAFE, even just on a 1930's-built SIDEWALK with someone you love, who you think loves you!
So once again, I think I'm the dummy because she STILL wants to marry me. What can I say woman don't grow on trees at age 56 and I live in a small mountain community. What can I say, some people never learn, and that someone may EVEN be me.
By the way, the rangers were great in the end, after they realized I wasn't a woman abuser, and had 45 minutes of their busy day entirely wasted also. And I wouldn't have had it any other way either!
Don't let something bad happen to you, or the ones you love at our national parks. People don't necessarily behave as themselves. Apparently deluded by the grandure, or fun, of it all. I guess I was too! Though I did nothing but wake her.
Yep, I'm going to marry her anyway. I guess. Some of us never DO learn. We're both old enough to know better and university educated. But in the end, just human.
Stay safe, take care, and my deepest condolences to the loved ones of the person who lost their life. It no longer matters, ONLY to that person.
I live here, work here, rescue here; it's a tragedy for anyone to lose their life but what do you expect when retards don't follow the signs?
I can't believe the stupidity of so many people. Every place we looked, people were beyond the railings. It made me very nervous just to watch. You can see just as well behind the railings. No need to take risks.