Man dies in 4,000 foot fall from Grand Canyon Skywalk

For many people, the Grand Canyon is a must-see place, high on some people’s bucket lists. However, one man recently fell, causing police to conduct an investigation. Most people likely thought about all the safety concerns that may come with visiting a place of such magnitude, assuming the tragedy occurred due to negligence. In contrast, his cause of death has actually been deemed a suicide.

Grand Canyon’s Grand History

The Grand Canyon, located in Northern Arizona, is a mile-deep gorge that runs through nearly 300 miles of canyon. Believed to have been formed 5 or 6 million years ago, the Grand Canyon was formed when the Colorado River “cut a channel through the layers of rock.” Although it’s been around for ages, it became an official US National Park in 1919. Prior to that, the Grand Canyon was “protected as a forest reserve” in 1893.

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of prehistoric humans first settling around the canyon during the last Ice Age. Countless figurines have been discovered within the canyon wall caves, dating back as far as 1000 BC. Although the Grand Canyon was once home to numerous tribes including the Zuni and Hopi tribes, it has, for the last 800 years, been the ancestral lands of the Havasupai people.

Tragedy at the Grand Canyon

While the Grand Canyon is breathtaking and incredibly magnificent, on June 5, 2023, a tragedy occurred in which a 33-year-old man fell from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. A 10-foot wide, glass bridge that gives guests “a clear view 4,000 feet to the floor of the Canyon below”. The bridge was built also in 1919 and sees roughly 6 million people annually.

A technical rope team was called out to the Grand Canyon Skywalk from the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue. Tragically, the man was pronounced dead on the scene when officials arrived. “Two short-haul technicians responded with [a] Kingman DPS Ranger helicopter to the scene,” The Sheriff’s office disclosed. “He was extracted to the Command Post and transferred to the Hualapai Nation.”

Mysterious Grand Canyon Death

His cause of death was a mystery. Therefore, officials conducted an investigation. Sadly, they determined the cause of death to be self-inflicted, death by suicide. At this time, it’s unclear to the public what this anonymous man had been facing leading up to his death. However, one thing is clear, mental health disorders are wreaking havoc on societies everywhere and are becoming more prominent, particularly, the more trying life becomes.

Categories of Mental Health Disorders

Estimates show that 1 in 5 people in the US are plagued with some form of mental health disorder, with 1 in 20 being a severe case. There are many different mental health disorders, but they all fit into one of six categories.

• Anxiety
• Eating
• Mood
• Personality
• Trauma- and stressor-related
• Psychotic

Knowing Some Signs

• Paranoia.
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
• Irritability.
• Confusion or disassociation.
• Extreme or erratic mood changes.
• Anti-Social behaviors/ Social Anxiety- Withdrawing from family or friends.
• Changes in Appetite.
• Panic attacks- elevated heart rate, shortness of breath, shaking, passing out.
• Depression, that can lead to suicidal thoughts, in this case leading to a suicide at the Grand Canyon.

Sadly, suicide is a common theme for Americans. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-14. However, suicide appears to affect several demographics with the LGBTQ+ community being hit the hardest. It’s estimated that just over half are suffering from some variation of these conditions. Sadly, as was the case with the anonymous Grand Canyon attendee, mental health disorders can follow someone well out of adolescence. Luckily, there are many options in regard to support or treatment for one of these conditions.

Treatments Options

• Consider Medication. Some prescription medications can be very beneficial at helping to balance brain chemicals, hormones, mood, or eating and sleeping habits.
• Seek Professional Guidance. There are so many different options in the world of medicine and it can be daunting to know what things may help or hinder your condition. A licensed professional will be able to give you concise guidelines that are suited to fit your own personal needs.
• Therapy. This might be a physical treatment such as Brain Stimulation Therapy. Or just speaking with a licensed professional who may offer insight or another perspective.

Treatment Aides

• Show Kindness. Kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness are some of the most essential tools for dealing with mental health disorders. This kindness should be extended to strangers and oneself in order to cultivate a more loving and happier world.
• Be Open-Minded. Being open-minded allows you are a wider range of treatment options.
• Do Something Great. Spending at least a few minutes daily doing something you love can ultimately bring you peace and happiness. It may also give you a sense of purpose if you find something useful to do with your passion. For example, if you love knitting or quilting, try making baby blankets to donate to sick babies in the hospital.
• Connect with Nature. There are times when a walk-through nature and a chance to breathe some fresh air can help reset a bad mood or calm an overwhelmed mind. Note- the unidentified man who committed suicide at the Grand Canyon was in nature and didn’t feel renewed. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel renewed after a walk outside, several other treatment options may be more suitable in extreme cases.

Helpline Support

Last but never least, if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there’s a few 24/7 resources available such as contacting the suicide helpline. You can call or text 988 any time, day or night. Or visit their website for more information. However, it’s never recommended to self-diagnose or ignore the advice of a medical professional.

The Grand Canyon tragedy could have been avoided if mental health disorders were more commonly addressed. People often feel shame regarding their conditions. However, they’re fairly common, and with proper and individualized treatment, lives can be saved.

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