News Release

Fatality Near Manly Beacon

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The California Highway Patrol helicopter prepares to hoist.

NPS

News Release Date: April 6, 2020
Contact: Carma Roper, Inyo County, [phone]
Contact: Abby Wines (NPS)

DEATH VALLEY, CA. April 6, 2020 – On April 4, in the afternoon, Inyo County Sheriff’s Dispatch was notified of a possible deceased person found by a hiking party of three near the base of Manly Beacon out of the Zabriskie Point trailhead, Death Valley National Park.

An Inyo County Sheriff's Deputy and Death Valley Rangers responded. Rangers located the body and determined the subject was deceased. It is believed that the individual fell approximately 300 feet from Manly Beacon. Due to lack of sufficient resources and time, a recovery was not attempted that evening. 

On April 5, Inyo County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Coordinators, Inyo County Search and Rescue, and Death Valley National Park Rangers responded. CHP Inland Division Air Operations (H-82) from Apple Valley also responded to assist. Ground teams recovered the body from its position up a steep and loose draw. H-82 hoisted the decedent by air and transferred the body to the Inyo County Coroner's Office.

A rental vehicle was located at the trailhead; NPS Rangers reported the vehicle as being there for about three days prior to the discovery of the decedent. The identity of the recovered body is still pending positive identification by the Inyo County Coroner's office.

Currently, Death Valley National Park is closed to all recreation other than highway through-travel. A reminder: do not participate in risky outdoor recreation at this time due to emergency medical care being prioritized by COVID-19 patients and limited rescue resources.

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