The National Park Service reported in a statement that a college student’s body had been found in the Grand Canyon following his fall 400 feet below the rim. The park also asked tourists to limit their outdoor activities due to the intense heat.
On Wednesday morning, Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, of Hickory, North Carolina, fell around a quarter of a mile west of Pipe Creek Overlook, according to officials.
The National Park agency and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office are both looking into the event, the park agency stated. “Designated trails and walkways… a safe distance of at least six feet from the edge of the rim,” the park service advised tourists.
Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis wrote on Facebook, “We feel deep sadness due to the tragic loss of one of our students, Abel Mejia. He was known for his warm smile and gentle spirit, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”
The park warned visitors not to hike in the canyon on Thursday due to the heat. In order to avoid overheating the day, park officials advised visitors to limit their outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
On June 29, a Texas man, 69, passed away while trekking in the intense heat.
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“In the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120°F (49 °C) in the shade,” according to the park service. “Efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather.”
The majority of the Southwest had its warmest July on record and is currently experiencing its warmest summer to date. According to the park service, there are roughly seven recorded deaths in the nation’s national parks each week.
“In 2019, the NPS mortality rate was 0.11 death per 100,000 recreational visits, which is very low when compared to the 715 deaths per 100,000 people rate of the overall U.S. population,” it stated.
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