News Release

Hiker Fatality on the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

The Bright Angel Trailhead in early morning.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 20, 2021

Contact: Kaitlyn Thomas, 202-7633-3440

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - On July 19 at approximately 9:47 a.m., the Grand Canyon Communications Center received a report of a hiker with a medical emergency in progress on the Bright Angel Trail. The caller determined that the hiker did not have a pulse while on the phone with dispatchers.
 
Bystanders initiated CPR and National Park Service Search and Rescue personnel responded and assisted with resuscitation efforts. All attempts to resuscitate the individual were unsuccessful.
 
The victim has been identified as a 56-year-old male. He was returning from a day trip to Plateau Point when he became unresponsive near Mile-and-Half Resthouse.

An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the NPS in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time.
 
Before heading down trail, hikers are strongly encouraged to read the Hiking Tips page and check the Backcountry Updates and Closures page for current information on inner canyon conditions. More information about hiking safely in the summer is available at https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm.

-NPS-