Colorado hiker found dead in Grand Canyon this summer

A tragic incident occurred in the Grand Canyon when Patrick Horton, a 59-year-old man from Salida, Colorado, was found dead during a hiking trip along the Colorado River. His body was discovered by members of his party on the morning of September 9, after he had been hiking for ten days. The location of his death was identified as Poncho's Kitchen, near river mile 137. The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of his death around 5:30 a.m. local time. The National Park Service is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Horton's death, in collaboration with the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office. As of now, no cause of death has been disclosed. This incident is part of a concerning trend, as several other hikers have also lost their lives in the Grand Canyon during the summer months. In late August, Chenoa Nickerson tragically died after being swept away by flash flooding, which necessitated the rescue of over 100 individuals by National Guard soldiers. Additionally, an 80-year-old man died while attempting to assist a flipped boat in the Colorado River on the same day Nickerson's body was found. Earlier in August, a BASE jumper died following a failed parachute attempt, and a college student fell 400 feet from the canyon rim in a separate incident. These incidents highlight the inherent dangers of hiking and outdoor activities in national parks, particularly in the Grand Canyon, where unpredictable weather and challenging terrain can pose significant risks to visitors. The park service continues to emphasize safety and preparedness for those venturing into the area.