Canyoneer dies after rappelling accident in Zion National Park
Oct 27, 2025, 9:41 AM
FILE: Vehicles enter Zion National Park on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
(Ravell Call, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — A man died in Zion National Park on Sunday after reportedly falling on a rappel in Pine Creek Canyon.
Elizabeth Peace with the U.S. Department of the Interior said emergency crews responded to the area at approximately 12:10 p.m. after somebody texted 911 to report a canyoneering accident.
“Bystanders initiated CPR while NPS first responders hiked through difficult terrain to reach the patient. Due to the remote location, the Utah Department of Public Safety provided helicopter support for extraction,” Peace said.
First responders were able to find the victim, but the man died at the scene, Peace said. He was 58 years old, but no further information was released.
Rescuers also found his partner, and Peace said he was safely rescued from the canyon.
Peace said the accident was reported at the final rappel of Pine Creek Canyon.
Canyoneering USA’s website describes the canyon as “a serious canyon with serious obstacles.” The final rappel for the canyon is also the longest at 90 to 100 feet.
Peace said the accident was under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the National Park Service.
