Man plummets to his death from waterfall at Rocky Mountain National Park
A 25-year-old Rhode Island man was killed when he plummeted off the edge of a waterfall at a national park in Colorado Sunday, officials said.
The Providence man, who was not identified, was pulled underwater after tumbling off West Creek Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, the National Park Service said in a news release.
His body was recovered Monday evening.
The victim’s remains were flown by helicopter to the Upper Beaver Meadows and then taken to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office, where a cause of death would be determined, the parks service said.
Park officials stressed that “powerful” currents can quickly suck a person underwater.
“Mountain rivers, streams, and waterfalls are running very cold and very fast this time of year,” the park service states. “The depth and current of all waterways can be deceivingly deep and swift. Park visitors are reminded to keep back from the banks of streams, rivers and waterfalls.”
The man’s death is among several tragedies at national parks around the country this summer.
A 57-year-old woman died while hiking in extreme heat at the Grand Canyon this week. Her body was found early Monday after there were reports of a distressed hiker the evening before, officials said.
Last month, a father and his teen stepson both died while hiking at the Big Bend National Park in Texas.
The 14-year-old boy fell ill and lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead by authorities. His step-father, 31, died after he crashed his car when he raced for help.
In May, a woman was found dead inside a car at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Officials revealed Wednesday the woman, Catheryn Danyelle Griffin, 38, of Florida, died by suicide when she shot herself.
