Arizona: North Dakota Teen Plunges 100 Feet Off Grand Canyon, Survives

In a remarkable incident, North Dakota teen Wyatt Kauffman has managed to survive a near-fatal fall of almost 100 feet (30 meters) at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, per BBC.

The incident occurred at the North Rim, a popular tourist destination.

Rescue teams worked diligently for two hours to extract Wyatt Kauffman from his precarious situation on Tuesday.

He had fallen from a ledge at the Grand Canyon while attempting to make way for others to take photographs.

Holding onto a rock with one hand and squatting down, he lost his grip, leading to the fall.

After the fall, Wyatt reportedly does not recall any specific details.

He mentioned that he only vaguely recollects waking up in the back of an ambulance, then in a helicopter, and ultimately on a plane while being transported to the hospital.

North Dakota Teen Spent Several Days in Las Vegas Hospital

After the harrowing fall at Arizona's Grand Canyon, Wyatt, the North Dakota teen, spent several days recuperating at a hospital located in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to Inforum.

His injuries included nine broken vertebrae, a concussion, a ruptured spleen, a collapsed lung, a broken hand, and a dislocated finger.

Wyatt was released from the hospital on Saturday, as conveyed by his father, Brian Kaufman, through Facebook posts.

The updates informed well-wishers that Wyatt was returning to North Dakota.

The National Park Service released an official statement regarding the incident, indicating that Wyatt had fallen a significant distance, approximately between 70 to 100 feet.

The fall occurred from the Bright Angel Point Trail, described by the Park Service as an "exposed, narrow, and surprisingly steep" trail.

Considering this incident, the National Park Service issued a cautionary advisory, emphasizing the importance of visitors adhering to designated trails and walkways.

Arizona's Grand Canyon Search and Rescue Team

The Grand Canyon's search and rescue teams are accustomed to a demanding workload, responding to over 300 calls for assistance each year, The Guardian reports.

These calls span a range of situations, from heat-related illnesses to incidents like the fall that Wyatt survived, where individuals have slipped over the edge.

Meghan Smith, the preventive search and rescue supervisor for Grand Canyon National Park, commended the search and rescue teams for their exceptional skills and dedication.

She expressed confidence in their ability to apply advanced medical techniques in challenging and remote environments. These skills are only utilized in some other settings.

Smith highlighted the teams' rigorous training and tireless efforts, noting that their expertise played a crucial role in executing a smooth and efficient operation in Wyatt's case.

She emphasized that this well-coordinated response will likely lead to positive outcomes for the patient.

Arizona's Grand Canyon has witnessed similar incidents in the past.

A tragic incident occurred when a 44-year-old man died when he fell over the edge of the North Rim near Bright Angel Point in August 2022.

The Park Service reported that the man had been off the trail when the accidental fall occurred, resulting in a descent of approximately 200 feet below the rim.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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