A second hiker died in Utah’s Zion National week within the span of a week, prompting safety concerns. The first incident occurred on April 17 when a 68-year-old man from Texas fell from the chains portion of the Angels Landing hike—a permit-required hike with sections of steep drops. The second incident occurred on April 22, less than a week later, as a man was canyoneering in Spry Canyon.
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The Washington County Sheriff’s Office told news outlets that the latest deceased hiker was 43-year-old William Lewis, of Hillsborough, California. According to Lewis’s family, he was familiar with the area. Although the details of Lewis’s fall aren’t known (he was hiking alone), officials report that he fell and died on the scene.
[RELATED: Hiker Dies After Falling From Angels Landing Trail in Zion]
High-visitation season at many national parks is underway and/or just around the corner, and these deaths at Zion have many people concerned about visitor safety. Unfortunately, accidents happen, even to people who come prepared.
When hiking and recreating in national parks, be sure to check conditions ahead of your visit, talk to rangers and research routes ahead of time, and bring the proper equipment. Go with other people and stay together as much as possible.
This story is developing, and details may change.
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