A 37-year-old hiker was found dead on the Canyon Overlook Trail at Zion National Park in Utah, authorities confirmed. The National Park Service reported that the incident occurred on a mile-long trail along the park’s east side.
Authorities received a call at 7:06 a.m. Sunday regarding a “possible fall of a hiker in Zion National Park,” according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. The Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue team arrived first, locating the deceased man at 7:40 a.m. They determined he was beyond help, the sheriff’s office stated. Washington County sheriff’s deputies later arrived and confirmed the findings.
The Zion National Park Technical Search and Rescue Team assisted in recovering the body. The hiker’s remains were sent to the Washington County Medical Examiner for further examination, the National Park Service said.
The Canyon Overlook Trail was temporarily closed but has since reopened. Officials confirmed the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. The hiker’s identity has not been disclosed.
This is not the first fatal fall at Zion National Park. In October, a 40-year-old man fell 200 feet to his death while canyoneering with three others, the National Park Service reported.