You are here

Home » California Man Dies in Fall From South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park; Women Struck by Lightning

California Man Dies in Fall From South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park; Women Struck by Lightning

Share

Published Date

October 4, 2010

A California man apparently trying to leap from one outcrop to another on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park fell roughly 500 feet to his death, according to park officials.

Andrew N. Stires, 42, of Burbank, fell around 1 p.m. Friday from a point between Pipe Creek Vista and the Visitor Center on the South Rim. Park officials said "an eyewitness report indicated the man was trying to jump from one outcropping to another, just off the rim trail, when he fell..."

Park rangers responded after receiving a call from the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center, and with the help from a National Park Service helicopter crew returning from a flight below the rim, found the man's body about 500 feet below the rim.

Because of high winds and lightning activity Friday afternoon, park rangers were not able to recover his body until Saturday.

Also on Friday, at approximately 2:45 p.m., two women were struck by lightning on the South Rim. The two women, both from Seoul, Korea, were standing on the rim east of the Visitor Center when they were struck. Park rangers believe both women were hit by a secondary strike.

One woman, 45-years of age, was taken by Guardian Air to the Flagstaff Medical Center where she was treated and released, according to a spokesperson from the Flagstaff Medical Center. The other woman, also 45-years of age, was taken to the Northland Community Health Center in Grand Canyon National Park, where she too was treated and released.

Park officials stress that when you're visiting, whether in the backcountry or walking along the rim, always be aware of your surroundings and current weather conditions. Keep a safe distance from the edge and to pay close attention to your footing and the condition of the ground surface.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.