An Arizona man, identified as 65-year-old James Handschy, was found unresponsive on the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park last week, resulting in his death. This incident marks the 10th fatality at the park this year. Handschy had embarked on a hike from the South Rim to the river and back, covering a roundtrip of approximately 18 miles. The trail is situated about 1.5 miles north of Havasupai Gardens.
After receiving an SOS alert from Handschy’s personal locator beacon around 1:30 p.m., park rangers immediately responded on foot from Havasupai Gardens. Additional search and rescue personnel were brought to the trail by a helicopter. Sadly, when rangers arrived, they pronounced Handschy deceased. The National Park Service and Coconino County Medical Examiner are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Bright Angel Trail, known as the most popular hiking trail at Grand Canyon National Park, has been the site of three out of the four hiking-related deaths this year. On average, the park experiences between 10 and 20 deaths annually. The park spokesperson informed The Associated Press that Handschy’s death is the 10th this year.
Grand Canyon National Park attracts millions of visitors annually who come to appreciate its breathtaking views, vibrant colors, and remarkable geology. However, officials caution that the return hike back up the canyon is significantly more challenging than the descent.
With the unfortunate increase in fatalities at the park, visitors are urged to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines while exploring this natural wonder.
