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Tennessee Woman Dies During Grand Canyon Float Trip

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Published Date

June 13, 2022

A Tennessee woman died when she was pulled into the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park/NPS file photo of Pipe Creek Beach

A Tennessee woman who had hiked down to Phantom Ranch on the floor of Grand Canyon National Park to join a river trip died when she was pulled into the Colorado River.

Sheetal Patel, 47, of Chattanooga, had hiked down to the river on Saturday, a park release said. She was was cooling off along Pipe Creek Beach when she was caught by the current in the Colorado River. Commercial guides were able to reach the woman by boat, pulled her out of the river, and began CPR. 

National Park Service search-and-rescue personnel responded and assisted with resuscitation efforts but were unable to revive the woman.

An investigation into the incident was being conducted by the NPS in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No additional information was available.

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