Teenager Survives 100-Foot Fall into Grand Canyon While Avoiding Photo-Takers
A teenager had a harrowing experience at the Grand Canyon when he fell approximately 100 feet while trying to move out of the way for people taking photos. This incident adds to the growing number of extreme falls at national parks this summer.
Wyatt Kauffman, 13, miraculously survived the fall but sustained severe injuries, including nine broken vertebrae, a ruptured spleen, a collapsed lung, a concussion, a broken hand, and a dislocated finger, according to the Associated Press.
Speaking to local Phoenix TV channel KPNX, Wyatt recounted the terrifying moment, saying, “I was up on the ledge and was moving out of the way so other people could take a picture… I squatted down and was holding on to a rock. I only had one hand on it… I lost my grip and started to fall back.”
The National Park Service received a call about the incident and immediately dispatched their search and rescue team to the scene at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Due to the challenging terrain, a helicopter rescue was deemed impractical. Instead, emergency personnel used a rope to hoist Wyatt back to safety.
It took nearly 40 emergency personnel and approximately two hours to retrieve Wyatt and transport him to a hospital in Las Vegas for treatment. Fortunately, he was discharged on Saturday.
Bright Angel Point, where the incident occurred, is renowned for its breathtaking views and sunsets. However, it is also a popular spot for hiking. The National Park Service advises visitors to exercise caution in certain areas of the trail as they can be exposed to the elements, narrow, and surprisingly steep. Additionally, visitors are urged to stay on designated walkways and maintain at least a six-foot distance from the edge of the rim.
As for Wyatt, he remembers very little about the extensive rescue operation. “I just remember somewhat waking up and being in the back of an ambulance and a helicopter and getting on a plane,” he shared.
His father, Brian Kauffman, expressed his gratitude to the first responders for saving his son’s life. “We’re just lucky we’re bringing our kid home in a car in the front seat instead of in a box,” he said.
Unfortunately, several fatal falls have occurred in national parks across the United States this month alone. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines and exercising caution while enjoying the natural wonders of these locations.
The Grand Canyon, in particular, can be treacherous during the summer months due to the desert air and fluctuating temperatures, which pose significant risks of dehydration and exhaustion for hikers. Carrying an ample supply of water can be a matter of life and death.
According to the National Park Service, over 300 calls for service are made each year at the Grand Canyon, encompassing various incidents ranging from falls to heat-related illnesses.
In light of the recent heatwave affecting southern and western U.S. states, the park has urged visitors not to hike into the canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures reach extreme levels.
The Grand Canyon has gained notoriety as the deadliest national park in the United States, as reported by the New York Post in June. Data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request revealed the highest number of deaths and missing person reports since 2018.
Despite the risks associated with visiting national parks, they remain popular destinations for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Just last week, President Biden visited the Grand Canyon and designated a vast area of the region as a national monument, safeguarding it from uranium mining and honoring tribal nations.
In a statement, President Biden declared, “Today marks a historic step in preserving the majesty of this place.”