Another Fatality in the Grand Canyon as Deadly Streak Continues

A Colorado man was found dead over the weekend at Poncho’s Kitchen, a camping area along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. His death marks the 15th fatality of 2024 in the Grand Canyon, and the seventh in just over a month in a deadly streak that has caught national attention.

According to a press release issued by the National Park Service, the 59-year-old man was named Patrick Horton, and hailed from Salida, CO. He was on the 10th day of a "non-commercial river trip" when his body was discovered around 7:30 a.m. on September 7. 

The exact cause of his death wasn't immediately clear. "The National Park Service is conducting an investigation in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. No additional information is available at this time," the press release stated. 

Horton is the latest in a deadly string of incidents in the Canyon in recent weeks. That includes an early August death from illegal BASE jumping, a heat-related hiking death, and a deadly flash flood. Seven of these deaths have occurred since the end of July. 

With months left in the typical tourism season, park officials are urging visitors to be cautious and make sure they're prepared for the conditions they will encounter.