GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - A man has died after falling 250 feet into the Grand Canyon from an overlook. Grand Canyon National Park rangers responded to a 911 call about 4:15 p.m. Monday of a man having fallen into the canyon at the first overlook on Desert View Drive, on the canyon's South Rim. A park statement said rescue personnel hiked down to the man, but determined that he had died as a result of the fall. The body was recovered and taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office in Flagstaff, Ariz. The victim's name was not immediately released pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. The National Park Service is investigating the death.

The National Park Service is investigating the death of a Scottsdale man who fell 250 feet at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on Monday. Michael S. Wilson, 47, was pronounced dead at the scene after his body was spotted by recovery teams shortly after 4:15 p.m., according to Shannan Marcak, spokeswoman for the National Park Services. Wilson was hiking alone when witnesses said they saw him fall into the canyon, Marcak said. An investigation was initiated both below the rim and with witnesses on the rim. At the same time, the man's body was prepared for transport and lifted out of the canyon by helicopter. Marcak was quick to remind the park's visitors to stay at least one body length away from the edge of any of the canyon's trails. "It is mesmerizing, but when you're trying to take a better picture of something this large, stepping closer to the edge doesn't make a difference. Always use caution," she said. Last year, there were 11 fatalities at the Grand Canyon, including those involved in auto collisions, falls and medical emergencies. The total number of fatalities in 2008 was not immediately available.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Man Dies In 250-Foot Fall From South Rim
The park received a 911 call late on October 6th reporting that a man had fallen from the edge of the canyon at the first overlook on Desert View Drive. Responding rangers spotted the man 250 feet below the canyon rim, as did a spotter in the park helicopter, and rescue personnel quickly hiked down to his location and confirmed that he'd died in the fall. The body was lifted out of the canyon and transferred to the county medical examiner�s office in Flagstaff. An investigation is underway. Contact Information Name: Shannan Marcak, Public Affairs Specialist