Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona — The body of a North Carolina man who fell 400 feet near a scenic overlook on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has been recovered, authorities said Thursday.
Rangers said they received a report of a park visitor falling from the Pipe Creek overlook around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. They said the body of Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, of Hickory, was later found about a quarter-mile from the overlook.
National Park Service
Park officials said Mejia accidentally fell while near the edge of the ledge. The National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating.
Officials said park staff are encouraging visitors to stay on designated trails and walkways, keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from the edge and stay behind railings and fences at overlooks.
