Lightning Suspected In Grand Canyon Death

Serious injuries and fatalities have occurred at Grand Canyon National Park in the past as a result of lightning strikes.

On Sunday afternoon (US time), Mr Crowden was hiking by himself shortly before his body was located about 1.6 kilometres down the South Kaibab Trail in Arizona.

The 21-year-old had been hiking alone, she added.

The incident marks the eighth confirmed death at the park this year.

The South Kaibab Trail descends from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River and although relatively short at about 11km, is very steep in places and exposed with little tree cover.

The canyon is one of the world’s most frequented outdoor tourist venues and it attracted more than 4.7 million visitors in 2014.

A witness alerted the canyon’s communication center to the incident. Predictably, lightning strikes rank among with other rare ways to die, like shark attacks, plane crashes, falling coconuts (yes, really), and terrorist attacks.

If in an open area during a storm it is recommend to assume the lightning position which will reduce the chances of getting a direct strike. Although about 24,000 people are killed by lightning every year, an estimated 240,000 end up struck – showing that the vast majority of those hit by lightning survive. Medics were unable to resuscitate the man who has been identified as Jonathan Crowden, 21 of Alfredton, Australia.