News Release

Hiker Dies of Heat-Related Illness on Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

The Tapeats Narrows along the Bright Angel Trail, approximately one mile north of Havasupai Gardens.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 6, 2026

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications

On June 3, 2026, at approximately 1:40 p.m., the Grand Canyon National Park Regional Communications Center received reports of an 18-year-old male experiencing heat-related symptoms below Havasupai Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail. National Park Service rangers responded and located the individual approximately 30 feet below the trail in a remote area near Garden Creek.

Despite rapid response efforts by park rangers and a coordinated helicopter rescue operation, lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.

The individual was on a day hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back via the Bright Angel Trail. The incident is under investigation in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office. The individual’s name is not being released pending next of kin notifications. No additional information is available at this time.

-NPS-