Tragedy struck the Grand Canyon for the second time in two days as a man died attempting an illegal BASE jump from Yavapai Point on the South Rim. This incident follows the accidental death of a 20-year-old visitor who fell from a scenic overlook earlier in the week.
The National Park Service (NPS) reported that park rangers responded to a call on Thursday morning regarding the BASE jump attempt. The man’s body was discovered approximately 500 feet below the rim, along with a deployed parachute. Due to the challenging terrain, the body was recovered on Friday morning.
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BASE jumping, an acronym for building, antenna, span, and earth, involves parachuting from fixed objects. This high-risk activity is strictly prohibited within the Grand Canyon National Park due to safety concerns.
“BASE jumping is an extremely dangerous activity, and it’s illegal in all national parks,” said a spokesperson for the NPS. “We urge visitors to prioritize their safety and adhere to park regulations.”
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with unauthorized activities in national parks. It also highlights the importance of respecting park rules and regulations designed to protect both visitors and the natural environment.
The NPS is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, and the man’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
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This unfortunate event comes on the heels of another fatality at the Grand Canyon earlier in the week. On Wednesday, Abel Joseph Mejia, a 20-year-old visitor, fell to his death from a scenic overlook west of the Pipe Creek Overlook.
The NPS continues to emphasize the importance of visitor safety and encourages everyone to stay on designated trails and walkways, maintain a safe distance from the rim, and remain behind railings and fences at overlooks.
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