A Maine woman has been killed in a fall from the Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park/NPS file
A 19-year-old from Maine who was working at Zion Lodge was killed in a fall from Angels Landing, according to Zion National Park staff.
Savannah McTague had been hiking the precipitous trail with two friends late Wednesday afternoon. She was reported missing around 5:30 p.m. by her friends, who suspected she had fallen.
At first light Thursday her body was found beneath Angels Landing. The injuries sustained were consistent with a high-elevation fall, a park release said. She is believed to have become the 10th person to die in a fall from the trail since 2004, according to park personnel.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the McTague family and friends,” said Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “Savannah was part of the Zion family. This fatality has been especially hard on Zion Lodge and park staff.”
Over the years a number of park visitors have fallen to their death from points along the trail, which is precipitous in places, and even from the top of Angels Landing. At the summit, the views down Zion Canyon are incredible. But the hike up can be treacherous if you fear heights, and the elevation tops out just shy of 6,000 feet, an elevation that can be demanding on someone who left their sea-level home the day before for their Zion vacation.
Comments
I believe adults should be able to hike angels landing. Children are another matter. Children lack the maturity and skill to make a decision that is so dangerous. A 13 year old girl fell to her death. I think you should have to be 18 to make this hike. If I took my child on this hike and they fell. I would never forgive myself. Just my opinion.
I would love to do this, but as a dad I would be terrified to know my kids were there at any age. It's hard being a parent isnt it
One of the best trails in the world.
If it is too dangerous for kids to hike this precipitous trail, how about white water rafting? Backpacking in grizzly country? Downhill skiing?
Driving to a national park remains the most dangerous part. As a functioning society we must reject the idea of "saftyism" which postulates that if something is not 100% safe it is unacceptably dangerous. See Coddling of the American Mind.