Body of Missing Woman Discovered in Grand Canyon
- In 2024, a troubling number of 11 fatalities have occurred at Grand Canyon National Park.
- The remains of a missing woman have recently been discovered in this location.
- These incidents highlight the dangers of visiting such dramatic natural landscapes.
A 20-year-old woman, Leticia Castillo from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was found dead in the Grand Canyon this week, marking the third fatality at the National Park in just one week. Rescue teams discovered Castillo's body approximately 150 feet below the rim of the Twin Overlooks along Desert View Drive. She had reportedly entered the park around August 3 and was reported missing shortly thereafter, with her remains located on August 6. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and authorities have not confirmed whether foul play is suspected. Castillo's death follows two other tragic incidents at the park. On August 2, the body of an unidentified BASE jumper was recovered after a fatal jump. BASE jumping is prohibited at the Grand Canyon, and the man’s remains were found about 500 feet below the south rim, with his parachute located on a cliff above. This incident highlights the dangers associated with illegal activities in the park. Additionally, on July 31, college student Abel Mejia fell to his death near an overlook, with investigations into his death still ongoing. These recent fatalities contribute to a concerning trend, as Grand Canyon National Park has averaged approximately 17 deaths annually since 2014. This year alone, there have been 11 reported deaths, amidst a backdrop of 2 to 5 million visitors to the park each year, raising questions about safety measures and visitor awareness.