ST. GEORGE — Park officials are investigating after a hiker died in Grand Canyon National Park on Thursday.
On Thursday, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center was alerted of an emergency by a personal locator beacon on the Bright Angel Trail, approximately 1.5 miles north of Havasupai Gardens. According to a news release issued by Grand Canyon park officials, a hiker was reported unresponsive, and a rescuer immediately responded on foot from Havasupai Gardens.
Additional National Park Service search and rescue personnel responded via helicopter. Upon arrival, rangers pronounced the hiker deceased.
The victim was identified as 65-year-old, James Handschy of Oracle, Arizona. He was reportedly attempting to hike from the South Rim to the river and back.
An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the park service in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time.