Parachutist dies after jumping from cliff at Grand Canyon

A parachutist who jumped from a cliff at the Grand Canyon on Thursday was found dead 500 feet below, according to park officials.

Authorities received a report about 7:30 a.m. Thursday of a visitor who attempted a BASE jump from Yavapai Point on the south rim, officials said.

Park rangers found the body of a deceased male about 500 feet below the rim, along with a deployed parachute, officials said.

Recovery teams reached the victim this morning, and the body was transported to the rim by helicopter, officials said. It was then taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, officials said.

The National Park Service and the Medical Examiner’s Office are conducting an investigation into the incident, officials said.

The name of the victim was being withheld pending positive identification, officials said. No additional information was immediately available.

BASE jumping, a high-risk activity involving parachuting from fixed objects, is illegal in all areas of Grand Canyon National Park, officials said.