Second fatal fall reported in Zion National Park within a week

SPRINGDALE — A 43-year-old California man died after a fall in the Spry Canyon area of Zion National Park on Wednes­day, April 22, marking the second fatal fall reported in the park within a week.

According to regional reports, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was asked to assist Zion National Park after reports that a person had fallen in the canyon area. Deputies responded and met with park officials at the scene, where the man was found deceased. The sheriff’s office later took over the investigation.

Authorities said the man had been hiking in the Spry Canyon area when he acci­dentally fell. Officials have not publicly released the exact distance of the fall but said it was not considered a large fall. His name had not been publicly released. The victim was identified only as a 43-year-old man from California.

Family members told investigators the man was familiar with the area. Spry Canyon is part of Zion National Park’s backcoun­try canyon terrain. Back­country areas in the park can include steep slopes, slick rock, uneven footing and remote sections where emergency access may be limited.

The death follows the April 17 fatal fall of Gil­berto Ramos, 68, of Laredo, Texas, who died after fall­ing from Angels Landing. That incident temporarily closed the Angels Landing and West Rim trails during recovery efforts before both reopened.

Zion National Park is among Utah’s most visited destinations and draws mil­lions of visitors each year. Park officials routinely encourage visitors to un­derstand route conditions, carry proper gear, stay within their ability level and use extra caution in steep or exposed terrain.