Woman found dead in Zion National Park

February 5, 2018 Utah Channel 3

SPRINGDALE — A woman was found dead in Zion National Park of an apparent fall from a high elevation Monday evening.

Update 9:30 p.m. The Angels Landing Trail and the West Rim Trail from the Grotto Trailhead to Angels Landing will be closed 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday while the scene is investigated.

The Angels Landing Trail requires chains in some of its narrowest sections — In this file photo, hikers ascend Angels Landing Trail, which includes narrow ascents with drops of 1,000 to 1,500 feet, Zion National Park, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Lisa Landreth, St. George News

The body was discovered in Refrigerator Canyon along the West Rim Trail around just before 5 p.m.

The hiker’s identity and cause of death are still under investigation, but her injuries were consistent with a high-elevation fall, according to a news release issued by the park.

Preliminary investigation indicates a possible fall from the popular Angels Landing Trail.

Park rangers secured the scene, and a search and rescue team recovered the woman’s body.

“This is an extremely sad event. Our thoughts go out to this visitor’s family,” Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park superintendent, said.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by the National Park Service and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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