A 64-year-old Arizona woman was found dead early Saturday morning, August 27, after she went missing during a hike at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
Officials identified the deceased as Jeanne Roblez Howell, originally from Sedona.
Howell began her hike on the Fairyland Loop trail around 2 pm on Friday. When she did not return as expected, concerned people alerted authorities, which prompted a search operation.
The National Parks Service (NPS), Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, and Utah Department of Public Safety collaborated in the search. Howell’s body was discovered in Campbell Canyon, about a mile east of the trail she started on. She was declared dead at the scene.
The exact cause of her death remains undetermined. However, the NPS noted a significant thunderstorm in the area on Friday afternoon. This weather event led to flash flooding, particularly in the dry washes along the eight-mile trail, which might have posed risks.
Acting Bryce Canyon Superintendent Allana Olbrich commented on the incident: “Our deepest sympathy goes out to the victim’s friends and family.”
Bryce Canyon, celebrating its centenary this year, is a renowned National Park located about four hours northeast of Las Vegas. Its scenery attracts numerous tourists every year.