NRI Pulse Staff Report
Atlanta, GA, June 15, 2022: Sheetal Patel, a 47-year-old Indian American woman from Chicago died after she fell in to the Colorado River on Saturday, according to a statement from the National Park Service.
On June 11, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional
Communications Center received a report of a passenger on a commercial river
trip who had fallen into the Colorado River. Commercial guides were able to
reach the woman by boat. The commercial guides pulled her from the river and
began CPR.
National Park Service (NPS) search and rescue personnel
responded and assisted with resuscitation efforts. All attempts to resuscitate
the individual were unsuccessful. Park rangers were flown into the location by
the park helicopter and pronounced the individual deceased.
The victim was originally of Chicago, Illinois,
and most recently from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Patel was cooling off along Pipe Creek Beach, when she was caught by the
current in the Colorado River. Patel hiked into the canyon to meet the river
trip at Phantom Ranch, and was beginning a multi-day boating trip.
An investigation into the incident is being
conducted by the NPS in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
No additional information is available at this time.
Before heading down trail, hikers are strongly
encouraged to read the Hiking Tips page and check the Backcountry Updates and
Closures page for current information on inner canyon conditions, the statement
said.
“All visitors to Grand Canyon should ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids, resting in shade during the heat of the day, watching for signs of distress in traveling companions, and dressing appropriately for the weather, which includes light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. The NPS does not recommend hiking from the rim to the river and back in one day,” the statement added.
