Grand Canyon, Ariz.,The National Park Service is able to confirm that yesterday's over the edge incident resulted in a fatality. Earlier today the body of the victim was recovered by short haul operation utilizing the park helicopter. The victim has been identified as Juan Carreras-Soto, 29 years of age from Las Vegas, NV. Mr. Carreras-Soto was visiting the park with family.
The fall has been ruled accidental;however the incident is still under investigation.
On Thursday, April 30 at approximately 4:20 p.m. the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a man who had fallen from the edge of the rim trail east of Mather Point.
A hasty search over the edge was unable to locate the individual. The park helicopter was able to locate the man approximately 400 feet below the rim. Due to terrain, time of day and safety concerns recovery operations were suspended until this morning.
An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No further information is available at this time.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
