The Grand Canyon, a renowned tourist destination, has been the site of three fatalities in the past week, according to park officials. Among the deceased is Leticia A. Castillo, a 20-year-old woman from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who had been reported missing since early August. Her body was discovered on Tuesday, approximately 150 feet below the Twin Overlooks, following an extensive search operation led by the National Park Services.
Castillo’s family and friends have been left devastated by the tragic news. A cousin of Castillo expressed her grief on social media, remembering Castillo as a vibrant presence who would “light up any room.” She added that Castillo would always be remembered and loved, even in her absence.
In addition to Castillo, two other individuals lost their lives at the Grand Canyon last week. The first incident involved Abel Joseph Mejia, a 20-year-old man from North Carolina who was visiting the park as part of a mission trip with Turning Point Pentecostal Church. Mejia tragically fell 400 feet from the South Rim on July 31.
The following day, a 43-year-old man from Missouri died while attempting a BASE jump from Yavapai Point, a stunt that is prohibited within the park. The man fell 500 feet during the ill-fated attempt.
These recent fatalities bring the total number of deaths at the Grand Canyon to 11 this year, according to park representative Joelle Baird. The park has seen a concerning number of fatalities in recent years, with 11 deaths recorded in 2023, 12 in 2022, 23 in 2021, and 13 in 2020. The specific causes of these deaths have not been disclosed.
The National Park Service and the Coconino County medical examiner are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Castillo’s death, as well as the deaths of the other two individuals. The agencies are also conducting investigations into the other fatalities that have occurred at the park this year.