Man falls to his death in Utah while canyoneering in Zion National Park

SPRINGDALE, Utah — A canyoneer died in it Zion National Park after falling between 500 and 200 feet near the Upper Emerald Pool in southwestern Utah, according to the National Park Service.

The 40-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, was rappelling through Heaps Canyon with three others on Saturday evening when he fell to his death. The group was following the permitted route through the long and physically demanding gorge when the fall occurred.

Zion National Park and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating the man’s exact cause of death. But the National Park Service confirmed Sunday that it was an accident.

After receiving a report of the fall, the Zion Search and Rescue team arrived on scene with sheriff’s department officers and attempted to save the man’s life. The Utah Department of Public Safety then transported the man by helicopter to the Watchman Campground area, and he received additional medical attention from other local authorities.

He was pronounced dead before he could be transported to a hospital, park officials said.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” said Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh.

Public safety officials picked up two of the three remaining canyoneers by helicopter on Sunday. Zion’s search and rescue team helped the third person get out of the canyon to safety that afternoon.