Abel Joseph Mejia, a 20-year-old college student from Hickory, North Carolina, tragically died after falling at the Grand Canyon. The accident occurred Wednesday morning when Mejia was standing near the edge of the canyon rim, about a quarter mile west of the Pipe Creek Overlook. Park rangers received a report around 10:40 a.m. and located his body approximately 400 feet below the rim.
An investigation into the incident is underway, led by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The circumstances of the fall are being closely examined to understand how the accident happened and to provide closure for Mejia’s family and friends.
20-Year-Old College Student Dies in Tragic Fall at Grand Canyon; Investigation Underway
The Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis, where Mejia was a student, expressed profound sorrow over his death. They described him as having a “warm smile and gentle spirit” and stated that his loss would be deeply felt by everyone who knew him. The college issued a statement on Facebook to honor his memory and acknowledge the impact of his passing.
The Grand Canyon National Park has reported 103 deaths between 2014 and 2019, with falls being a significant cause. The park emphasizes safety by advising visitors to stay on designated trails, maintain a safe distance from the canyon’s edge, and adhere to railings and fences at overlooks to prevent similar accidents.
