'We feel deep sadness': 20-year-old falls 400 feet to his death at Grand Canyon
A North Carolina man accidentally fell 400 feet to his death at the Grand Canyon National Park this week, federal authorities said.
The National Park Service announced that the body of a 20-year-old visitor was found on Wednesday after he fell from the rim of the Grand Canyon, which is approximately one-fourth mile west of Pipe Creek Overlook.
Rangers found Abel Joseph Mejia, 20, of Hickory, North Carolina below the rim, according to the federal government agency.
"Mr. Mejia was near the edge of the rim when he suffered an accidental fall," the National Park Service said in a release on Thursday. "An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office. No additional information is available at this time."
The Grand Canyon National Park staff said all visitors should stay on designated trails and walkways, keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from the edge of the rim and remain behind railings and fences at overlooks.
Abel Mejia had a 'warm smile and gentle spirit'
The Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis, Indiana shared a Facebook post about Mejia, who attended the school before his death.
"We feel deep sadness due to the tragic loss of one of our students, Abel Mejia," the Facebook post said. "Abel lost his life yesterday in an accident while visiting the Grand Canyon. He was known for his warm smile and gentle spirit, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him."
"Let us all join together in prayer for the entire Mejia family during this difficult time. May God bring comfort and peace to all who are grieving."
Abel Mejia died while on a mission trip
Turning Point Pentecostal Church in Archbold, Ohio, where Mejia attended, shared a Facebook post confirming that he was on a mission trip at the time of the incident.
"Please keep the Mejia family in your prayers! Abel passed away from a tragic accident while on a missions trip," the post said. "He is the brother of Josh, a recent IBC graduate that has visited Turning Point on numerous occasions. If you would like to give a donation for the family, you can bring it to the church this Sunday and we will write one check to send to the family."