A 19-year-old Utah teenager tragically died after falling 1,400 feet into a popular gorge while trying to take a photo as his devastated family paid tribute.
Jonathan Fielding was hiking with a group of friends near Moonscape Overlook near Torrey, Utah, just outside Hanskville, on Saturday when he lost his balance and fell to his death.
The area often called ‘Mars’ is covered in gray plateaus, steep cliffs that drop hundreds of meters and offer views of a landscape that resembles the moon.
The teen, originally from Blue Springs, Missouri, recently moved to Orem, Utah, his family said. Described by his loved ones as a “photography enthusiast,” Fielding stopped to take photos to capture the majestic views moments before the tragedy.
Wayne County officials ruled his death an accident.
His grieving family described him as a “loving and caring son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and cousin.”
“Although Jonathan’s passing was unexpected, we take some comfort in knowing that he was doing what he loved at the time of the accident,” they wrote. “He was on a photo shoot with friends in the beautiful wilderness of Utah, where he loved being.”
Pictured: Jonathan Fielding, 19, was hiking with a group of friends in Utah on Saturday when he was accidentally killed when he stopped to take a photo near
Pictured: Moonscape Overlook near Torrey, Utah, just outside Hanskville and the site where Fielding was killed
Moonscape Overlook (shown on the map) is located in the small town of Hanksville in Southern Utah. The area is about a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City
Fielding was described in his obituary as a ‘cheerful, intelligent young man’, and was called ‘Johnny’ by his friends.
‘He had big dreams and hopes focused on sales. More important than his dreams and future plans, however, was that Jonathan was a good person.
“Jonathan really cared about others. He would listen to you sincerely. He was truly a friend in every sense of the word.
“He had a lot of friends and was a positive influence. He was always kind to others. He often noticed those who needed help and offered them help and encouragement.”
He was a Boy Scout who worked his way up to Eagle Scout, and was also an accomplished athlete who was a member of his high school’s track and field team and pole vaulter who went on to State in DECA.
“Although Jonathan’s time in his life was limited, his impact on others was not. He was loved by many. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Fielding was one of six siblings and the only boy, according to his obituary.
His sister, Rebecca Fielding, drove from Missouri to where her brother died, she said, to get “closure.”
She posted several photos of her brother on Facebook with a heartbreaking message. She also warned others of the dangers lurking behind the enchanting landscape, reminding them to “never trust the ground on the edge of a cliff.”
“It was a tragic accident, but Jonathan should be a cautionary tale for anyone who hikes or photographs,” she wrote.
‘No view is worth your life. No view is worth the suffering your family and friends will go through. No sight is worth the risk rescuers face as they try to save people and recover bodies.
‘There was no reason for my brother to die. Please don’t make the same mistakes he did.’
Jonathan Fielding imagined himself sitting on the edge of a cliff watching the sunrise. His sister Rebecca Fielding posted this photo with a loving tribute
Fielding shot what he loved with his camera and next to a horse in this sweet photo
On hearing the heartbreaking news of Fielding’s untimely death, tributes poured in as many expressed their condolences.
‘One of the kindest, most sincere, cheerful, honest and pure souls this world has known. Every room he entered he left in a better place. Love you Jonny,” one person wrote.
Another mourner said: ‘My heart is so broken to hear this news! Michael and Tammy, we pray for your comfort and peace, dear cousins! We love you all.”
Earlier this week, A GoFundMe was established to cover funeral costs.
Connor Parry, a family friend who organized the fundraiser, wrote: ‘Jonathan was loved by many and was a wonderful example of selfless love.’
As of Thursday morning, more than $26,000 was raised, surpassing the $26,000 goal.