Pine Creek Death in Pine Creek Canyon 2025/10/26
| Pine Creek Death in Pine Creek Canyon 2025/10/26 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 2025/10/26 |
| Location | Pine Creek Canyon |
| Severity | Fatality |
| Canyoneering-related | Yes
|
| SAR involvement | Yes
|
| Navigation problem | No
|
| Swift water problem | No
|
| Environmental problem | No
|
| Communication problem | No
|
| Planning problem | No
|
| Skills problem | No
|
| Body movement problem | No
|
| Rigging problem | No
|
| Rappel problem | Yes
|
| Insufficient gear | No
|
| Gear failure | No
|
Summary[edit]
A 58-year-old man died while rappelling the final drop in Pine Creek Canyon, Zion National Park, on October 26, 2025. The incident occurred around noon, and bystanders performed CPR until first responders arrived approximately an hour and a half later. Due to the technical terrain, access was delayed, and the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of the accident has not been officially released. The incident is under joint investigation by Zion National Park officials and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Accounts[edit]
Source: KUTV News, “58-year-old man dies while rappelling in Zion National Park canyon,” by Derick Fox, published October 27, 2025. https://kutv.com/news/local/58-year-old-man-dies-while-rappelling-in-zion-national-park-canyon
According to the report, law enforcement received calls shortly after noon about a canyoneering accident in Pine Creek Canyon. The victim, a 58-year-old male, was rappelling the last drop when the incident occurred. Bystanders attempted CPR while waiting for rescue teams. First responders arrived around 1:30 p.m., roughly 90 minutes after the initial report, due to challenging access. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No specific details about the cause of death or rigging setup were provided. A joint investigation involving the National Park Service and Washington County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.
Details about the cause of the incident have not yet been released. It is unknown whether the fatality was related to rigging, rappel technique, or a medical issue. A joint investigation involving Zion National Park officials and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.
This is a recent incident, and information is limited at this time. Please update this page as verified details become available to help improve understanding and safety within the canyoneering community.