Hiker’s Death Marks the 10th Fatality in the Park this Year
A tragic incident occurred at Grand Canyon National Park when a man lost his life while attempting to hike from the South Rim to the river and back. The National Park Service confirmed the unfortunate news, stating that James Handschy, a 65-year-old resident of Oracle, Ariz., was pronounced dead at the scene by park rangers.
Emergency Alert and Rescue Attempt
The park’s regional communication center received an emergency alert from a personal beacon on the Bright Angel Trail, about 1.5 miles north of Havasupai Gardens. The alert came in around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. In response, a rescuer immediately set out on foot from Havasupai Gardens, and search and rescue crews were deployed by helicopters. Sadly, Handschy was found unresponsive, and rangers had to declare him dead at the scene.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The park service is currently working with the Coconino County medical examiner to investigate the circumstances surrounding Handschy’s death. However, no immediate comments have been provided by the agencies involved.
Park officials revealed that Handschy was attempting to complete a challenging 18-mile hike from the South Rim to the river and back. The Bright Angel Trail, known for its popularity among hikers, is situated deep within a side canyon. The return hike is particularly arduous, as stated on the park’s website. Hikers planning to reach the Colorado River are strongly advised to consult park rangers for safety tips. Extreme temperatures and elevation changes beyond Havasupai Gardens can make the journey more difficult. Additionally, overnight permits are required.
A Disturbing Trend
Tragically, Handschy’s death marks the 10th fatality in Grand Canyon National Park this year, according to the Associated Press. On average, the park witnesses between 10 and 20 deaths annually. Out of this year’s fatalities, four have been hiking-related, with three occurring on the Bright Angel Trail.
Just last September, a 55-year-old man lost his life while attempting a 21-mile rim-to-rim hike in a single day. Ranjith Varma of Manassas, Va., became unresponsive on the North Kaibab Trail when temperatures were nearing triple digits.
The incidents at Grand Canyon National Park serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that hikers face. It is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions, seek advice from park rangers, and be mindful of the challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions.