Multiple Deaths at Grand Canyon National Park: 16 Fatalities in 2023

**SAPO:** The Grand Canyon National Park has witnessed a surge in fatalities this year, with the latest incident involving a missing boater who was found dead in the Colorado River. This latest death marks the eighth in the park in less than a month and the 16th fatality so far in 2023.

The body of a missing boater was recovered Tuesday from the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, continuing a tragic series of events that has resulted in 16 fatalities in the park this year.

Multiple Deaths at Grand Canyon National Park: 16 Fatalities in 2023

The latest victim is believed to be a 71-year-old man who went missing on a private boat trip near Lower Nankoweap Camp along the Colorado River. His group reported him missing late Monday, and park rangers located his body about 10 miles downstream using a helicopter.

Earlier this month, 59-year-old Patrick Horton was found dead during a non-commercial river trip along the Colorado River. The cause of his death is still under investigation.

Multiple Deaths at Grand Canyon National Park: 16 Fatalities in 2023

Other fatalities in the park this year include a 60-year-old North Carolina man found dead near a remote trail along the Colorado River, an 80-year-old man who died on a commercial river trip after falling from a boat, and a 33-year-old woman who was swept away by a flash flood while hiking.

In addition, a 20-year-old New Mexico woman was found below Twin Overlooks, a 43-year-old Missouri man died while attempting a prohibited BASE jump from Yavapai Point, and a 20-year-old North Carolina man fell to his death at the South Rim.

Multiple Deaths at Grand Canyon National Park: 16 Fatalities in 2023

The National Park Service (NPS) has reported 11 fatalities in the park in 2023, compared to an average of 10 to 15 deaths per year. The NPS is investigating the deaths and urging visitors to take precautions and follow safety guidelines while in the park.

Visitors should be aware of the potential hazards associated with boating, hiking, and other activities in the Grand Canyon. They should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, carry plenty of water, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

The NPS also reminds visitors that BASE jumping is illegal in the park due to the extreme risks involved. BASE jumping is a sport that involves parachuting from fixed objects, such as cliffs or buildings.

The Grand Canyon National Park is a beautiful and iconic destination, but it is also a place where accidents can happen. Visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety and avoid becoming another statistic in the park's tragic fatality count.