Content warning: This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is at risk of self-harm, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. Two people were found dead at Bryce Canyon National Park after Garfield County deputies recovered the bodies Thursday morning, and authorities say the man and woman were residents of Texas and are believed to have died by suicide.
Deputies began looking for the pair on Wednesday after the woman’s mother called for help. Investigators were able to ping one of the woman’s phones to a canyon area inside the park, but crews were not able to reach or locate the two until the following morning. The Utah Department of Public Safety’s Aero Bureau and Bryce Canyon park rangers joined the effort for the search and recovery, the sheriff’s department said in a statement, as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune.
Search teams and air support
The Utah Department of Public Safety's Aero Bureau operates helicopters and specialized crews that routinely back up county search-and-rescue teams in remote and rugged terrain. The unit is trained and equipped for hoist operations and other technical recoveries that limit risk to rescuers on the ground, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Why Bryce Canyon can be dangerous
Bryce Canyon’s rim and natural amphitheater are marked by cliffs, hoodoos, and tight drainages, with overlooks and railings set along many exposed areas. The National Park Service urges visitors to stay on designated trails and behind barriers, noting that weather and winter conditions can leave surfaces slick and unstable and heighten the risk near cliff edges, per Bryce Canyon National Park.
Investigation and resources
Garfield County deputies say they recovered the bodies and that the deaths remain under investigation. Officials have not released the victims’ names as they work through next-of-kin notifications. Authorities described the deaths as believed suicides in their statement, and county and park officials have not offered further details while the investigation continues, as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential support.
