The Grand Canyon, a popular tourist attraction, has witnessed three deaths within a week, as confirmed by park authorities. Among the victims was Leticia A. Castillo, a 20-year-old woman from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who had been missing since early August. Her body was found on Tuesday, about 150 feet below the Twin Overlooks, after a comprehensive search operation conducted by the National Park Services.
The tragic news has left Castillo’s family and friends in deep sorrow. A cousin of Castillo expressed her grief on social media, describing Castillo as a lively person who could “light up any room.” She further stated that Castillo’s memory would continue to be cherished and loved, despite her absence.
In addition to Castillo, two other individuals also lost their lives at the Grand Canyon last week. The first incident involved Abel Joseph Mejia, a 20-year-old man from North Carolina. Mejia was visiting the park as part of a mission trip with Turning Point Pentecostal Church when he tragically fell 400 feet from the South Rim on July 31.
The next day, a 43-year-old man from Missouri died while attempting a BASE jump from Yavapai Point, a stunt that is forbidden within the park. The man fell 500 feet during the unfortunate attempt.
These recent fatalities have increased the total number of deaths at the Grand Canyon to 11 this year, according to park representative Joelle Baird. The park has witnessed a worrying number of fatalities in recent years, with 11 deaths recorded in 2023, 12 in 2022, 23 in 2021, and 13 in 2020. The specific causes of these deaths have not been revealed.
The National Park Service and the Coconino County medical examiner are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Castillo’s death, as well as the deaths of the other two individuals. The agencies are also conducting investigations into the other fatalities that have occurred at the park this year.