Woman dies after falling over Grand Canyon edge while taking photo with family
A 59-year-old woman has died in the Grand Canyon after falling from the edge while taking photos with her family, park officials said.
Maria A. Salgado Lopez of Scottsdale, Arizona, was hiking off trail along the canyon’s South Rim in an area west of Mather Point, according to a National Park Services press release. Mather Point is one of the park’s most popular spots, owing to its spectacular sunset views.
The park service said in the press release: “Ms. Salgado Lopez had been hiking off trail and taking photographs with family when she accidentally stepped off the edge.”
Her body was recovered by Grand Canyon National Park rangers approximately 100 feet below the rim.
In a statement, the park service said: "An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.”
This is the second death at the Grand Canyon National Park in the last ten days. On June 26, a 49-year-old woman from California died of heat-related symptoms while hiking in 46 degree heat.
During the 4th of July weekend, a holiday in America, thousands of visitors are expected to visit the park. Park authorities have warned everyone not just to stick to designated paths, but also to observe social distancing, as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the United States.
About six million people visited the park in 2019.
Last year, at least two people died after falling over the rim of the Grand Canyon, including one man in his 50s who was taking a selfie when he slipped, according to CNN.
