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BRYCE CANYON CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Two are dead after falling from a cliff face yesterday in Bryce Canyon as local first responders are in the process of recovering their bodies.
According to the Garfield County Sheriff, two hikers were hiking a section of Bryce Canyon known as Inspiration Point sometime yesterday night or this morning. At some point, the hikers crossed over a guard railing and began to hike off the trail.
Although it is currently unclear what led to it, the hikers fell from the cliff face, falling 380 feet to the floor of the canyon. The Sheriff’s office reported that conditions had been stormy that day, and snow is present currently at the point. The bodies of both hikers, who were said to be a man and a woman, were found the next day by tourists.
After their discovery, the tourists called the park service, who then called the Sheriff.
The Sheriff reported to ABC4.com that both hikers were last known to be residents of Florida and had been living out of a U-Haul that was found near the park.
A recovery effort was launched by the sheriff’s department using units from the Search and Rescue team, along with assistance from a Department of Public Safety helicopter. The body of the woman was recovered around 2:30 p.m. today, and the body of the man was recovered late Tuesday evening.
Currently, the Sheriffs are reporting that they believe the incident was an accident. However, it is still under investigation. At this time, the Sheriff is attempting to ID both hikers and contact next of kin. At this time, neither identity has been released.
The Sheriff’s department asks that hikers stay on posted hiking trails and do not cross rails or boundaries set up for safety.