College Student Dies in Fall from Grand Canyon Rim, Investigation Underway

On Wednesday, responders worked to retrieve the body of Abel Joseph Mejia, a 20-year-old college student from Hickory, N.C., who fell approximately 400 feet to his death from the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Mejia had been standing near the edge about a quarter mile west of the scenic Pipe Creek Overlook when the incident occurred. The tragic fall was reported to park rangers around 10:40 a.m., who subsequently located his body below the canyon’s rim.

The National Park Service (NPS) and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office have initiated an investigation into Mejia’s death, which park rangers described as an “accidental fall.” Mejia was identified by the Indiana Bible College of Indianapolis, where he was a student.

The college expressed deep sadness over the loss, highlighting his warm smile and gentle spirit, and noted that his absence would be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.

Mejia’s tragic accident adds to the statistics of fatalities at the Grand Canyon. Between 2014 and 2019, there were 103 deaths in Grand Canyon National Park, with 14 attributed to falls. This incident underscores the inherent dangers present at the park, especially near the edges of the rim.

In light of the tragedy, Grand Canyon National Park staff emphasized the importance of safety for all visitors. They advised staying on designated trails and walkways, maintaining a safe distance of at least six feet from the edge, and staying behind railings and fences at overlooks to prevent similar accidents in the future.