In the past 10 days, three people have died in Grand Canyon National Park. The three deaths were unrelated and all tragic. Learn more about each of these incidents below. In some cases, investigations are ongoing and only basic information is available.
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Incident on Wednesday, July 31
The National Park Service (NPS) reports that on the morning of Wednesday, July 31, a 20-year-old man from North Carolina fell from the rim. Abel Joseph Mejia, a college student, fell 400 feet to his death. Rangers were able to recover his body.
NPS calls this “an accidental fall,” adding that there is an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Incident on Thursday, August 1
NPS reports that the next day, on the morning of Thursday, August 1, a man died while attempting to BASE jump from Yavapai Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. “Park rangers responded and located the body of a deceased male approximately 500 feet below the rim, along with a deployed parachute,” the press release says.
Recovery teams were able to recover the man’s body the following day. News sources have since identified the man as 43-year-old Justin Guthrie of Missouri.
NPS says BASE jumping is not legal in Grand Canyon National Park.
Incident on Tuesday, August 6
This week, on Tuesday, August 6, NPS says Grand Canyon rescue personnel retrieved a third body from the canyon. After a multi-day search for Leticia Castillo of Albuquerque, New Mexico, personnel found the 20-year-old’s body 150 feet from the rim.
“Castillo was believed to have entered Grand Canyon on or around August 3, 2024,” NPS says. No further information is currently available.
Tips for Staying Safe at Grand Canyon National Park
When visiting the Grand Canyon, stay on designated trails and walkways. NPS says visitors should always keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet (2 m) from the edge of the rim and stay behind railings and fences at overlooks.
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