Man dies after falling 200 feet while canyoneering in Zion National Park

SPRINGDALE, Utah — One person died Saturday after a canyoneering accident at Zion National Park.

Park officials said they received a call around 6 p.m., reporting that a 40-year-old man fell about 200 feet near the exit of Heaps Canyon. He was canyoneering with three other people, and officials said they were "following their permitted itinerary."

Zion's search-and-rescue team and deputies with the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to provide emergency care. The victim was then hoisted to a helicopter landing area at Watchman Campground via the Utah Department of Safety's helicopter.

A LifeFlight helicopter was sent to transport the victim to the hospital from there, but officials say he died from his injuries before being placed on board.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said in a statement.

The victim's name has not been released.

After the fall, the three other canyoneers remained in place overnight until they were rescued. Two were hoisted to safety by the DPS helicopter crew Sunday morning. The third rappelled down the canyon with the help of the park's search and rescue team, arriving safely on the ground around 2 p.m.

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