SPRINGDALE, UT - The body of a male visitor, approximately 45 years old, was discovered in Refrigerator Canyon along the West Rim Trail early Friday morning, March 3, 2017. Visitors hiking the trail came upon the body around 8:20 a.m. and called 911. It was reported that the individual was cold with visible signs of trauma. Park Law Enforcement was dispatched to secure the scene, and a search and rescue team was assembled to recover the man’s body. The West Rim Trail was closed at the Grotto from 8:30 a.m. this morning until 12:30 p.m.
The injuries sustained were consistent with a high elevation fall, possibly from the Angels Landing Trail, according to the preliminary investigation. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is the primary investigating agency. The hiker’s identity and cause of death are still under investigation.
More information will become available after the investigation is complete.
“We are extremely saddened by this incident, and are concerned with everyone’s safety in the Park," said Jeff Bradybaugh, Superintendent Zion National Park.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
