A man’s death at the Grand Canyon was ruled a suicide after he fell 4,000 feet from an observatory.
The incident happened around 9:00 am on June 5 at the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The man was only identified as 33 years old by the Mojave County Sheriff’s Office.
Hualapai Police have ruled the incident a suicide, according to a representative of the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which manages the Skywalk.
The Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge, extends 70 feet from the canyon walls and offers direct views of the Colorado River 4,000 feet below.
The resort’s marketing director, Lee Cooper, said the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation is reviewing its safety policy in the wake of the death.
“Guest safety is paramount. We are currently implementing ground surveillance and video surveillance around the Skywalk itself and in other areas of Grand Canyon West,” Cooper said in an email. “Grand Canyon Resort Corporation is constantly reviewing its policies and procedures to ensure all guests are safe during their visit.”
According to statistics from Joel Baird, a public relations expert at Grand Canyon National Park, 11 people will die at the park in 2022, one of them by suicide.
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“It’s definitely difficult here in the Grand Canyon. We’re probably close to 40 miles to the rim of the canyon, so we’re not sending messages that target specific viewpoints to prevent suicide,” Baird said. “We have rangers on staff 24/7 to help people at risk.”
The man’s remains were recovered and taken to the Hualapai Tribe for further investigation.
Crisis Hotline for Arizona Residents
Services for Arizona residents in crisis include:
- You can access the free 211 Arizona Information and Referral Service anytime by dialing 211, which connects you to free resources available locally throughout the state.
- Solari Crisis & Human Services offers a toll-free statewide crisis response line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (dial 844-534-HOPE (4673)). Help is available 24/7 by texting ‘hope’ to 4HOPE (4673).
- To contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, dial 988. Help is available in English and Spanish. It is provided free and confidential for people in distress who need prevention and crisis resources for themselves and their loved ones.
- The La Frontera Impact Suicide Prevention Center Crisis Response Line serves Maricopa and Pinal Counties 24/7 at 480-784-1500.
- Teen Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis response line serves teens at 602-248-8336 in Maricopa County and 1-800-248-8336 statewide.
- The Trevor Project Lifeline serves LGBTQ youth by calling 866-488-7386 or texting START at 678-678.
