Body of 20-year-old North Carolina man recovered after 400-foot fall at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Arizona — The body of a North Carolina man who fell 400 feet (122 meters) near a scenic overlook on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has been recovered, authorities said Thursday.

Park rangers said they received a report of a park visitor falling from the Pipe Creek Vista around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. They said the body of Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, of Hickory, was later found about a quarter-mile from the lookout.

Park officials said Mejia accidentally fell while near the edge of the ledge. The National Park Service and the Coconino County coroner’s office are investigating.

According to authorities, park staff encourage visitors to stay on designated trails and walkways, maintain a safe distance of at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the edge of the rim, and stay behind fences and railings at viewpoints.