20-year-old North Carolina student died due to fall of 400 feet at Grand Canyon National Park

Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, of Hickory, was reported to have fallen 400 feet near a scenic viewpoint on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Officials said Mejia had accidentally fallen when he was near the edge of the rim. The National Park Service and the Coconino County medical examiner’s office are investigating. Responders manage a high angle technical rescue system on July 31, 2024 in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. A post on social media stated that the body of the North Carolina college student who fell 400 feet near a scenic viewpoint on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has been recovered.

Mejia unintentionally fell, according to park officials, while he was getting close to the rim. The medical examiner’s office in Coconino County and the National Park Service are conducting an investigation.On July 31, 2024, responders operate a high angle technological rescue system in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park. Mejia was a student at Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis, according to a social media post from the college. “Abel lost his life yesterday in an accident while visiting the Grand Canyon,” the student wrote. “He was known for his warm smile and gentle spirit, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.” Prior to his tragic fall, Mejia was on a mission trip, according to a social media post from Turning Point Pentacostal Church.

Grand Canyon National Park public affairs officer Joelle Baird stated, “In this particular area, this individual was hiking off trail, which is a pretty common place occurrence for a lot of our visitors here.” Authorities stated that park employees advise guests to stay on approved paths and pathways, maintain a minimum of 6 feet of safety between you and the edge of the rim, and hide behind railings and fences at views.