Man, 40, Falls 200 Feet to His Death While Canyoneering at Zion National Park in Utah

Mar. 15, 2025

Zion National Park.Photo: Getty

A 40-year-old man fell to his death while canyoneering at Zion National Park in Utah on Saturday, Oct. 5.

In a recentpress release, the National Park Service announced that the man was canyoneering with three other friends near the exit of Heaps Canyon when he had an “accidental fall” of between 150 to 200 feet.

The agency describes canyoneering on itswebsiteas “an outdoor activity that combines route finding, rappelling, problem solving, swimming, and hiking.” It notes that Zion National Park “has become one of the premier places in the country” for the sport and that a wilderness permit is required for all technical canyoneering trips.

According to the press release, the group was following their permitted itinerary through Heaps Canyon when the incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m.

Zion National Park.Getty Images

Getty Images

Image of cars entering Zion’s National Park.George Frey/Getty

Later that same day, the Zion National Park’s search and rescue team assisted the third canyoneer with rappelling down the canyon.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh.

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Zion National Park and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating the exact cause of the man’s death. PEOPLE reached out to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office but did not immediately hear back.

source: people.com