A Colorado man, identified as Patrick Horton, was found dead in the Grand Canyon on a non-commercial river trip. His body was discovered by other members of his group on the 10th day of their trip near Poncho’s Kitchen at the 137th mile of the Colorado River. Horton’s death comes as the seventh fatality in the Grand Canyon since July 31, marking a turbulent summer for the national park with six deaths occurring in August alone.
The Grand Canyon has seen an increase in fatalities in recent years, with 11 deaths recorded in 2023, 12 in 2022, 23 in 2021, and 13 in 2020. The average annual number of deaths typically ranges from 10 to 15, with exceptions like the high mortality rate in 2021. Horton’s death is the 15th fatality in 2024, approaching the upper end of the average annual death toll in the park.
According to the NPS mortality dashboard, from 2014 to 2019, a total of 103 people died in the Grand Canyon National Park, with nearly half of the deaths attributed to medical emergencies or issues, and a significant number involving no physical activity. In comparison to other national parks in the US, the Grand Canyon has had a lower average number of deaths, with an average of 358 deaths reported across all national parks annually during the same period.
The circumstances surrounding Patrick Horton’s death are still under investigation by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s office. The cause and timing of his death remain unclear at this time. The recent spike in fatalities in the Grand Canyon has raised concerns about visitor safety and the need for increased awareness, education, and safety measures to prevent further tragedies in the park. The frequent occurrences of deaths in the Grand Canyon highlight the risks associated with wilderness activities and the importance of being prepared and cautious while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.
