Capsized kayak results in another Grand Canyon fatality

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – A German tourist has died after his kayak capsized in Badger Rapids within Grand Canyon National Park Wednesday.

The 43-year-old victim has been identified as Hans Uhl, of Germany, who was part of a commercial river trip, Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, spokesperson for the Grand Canyon National Park, said in a press statement. Uhl was on day 1 of the multi-day trip.

At approximately 2 p.m., the National Park Service received a call reporting an unconscious male kayaker at Badger Rapids, river mile 8, on the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park, Shedlowski said. The victim was in a kayak that capsized in Badger Rapids, where he was unable to right himself.

The safety boat was able to reach the kayak. Uhl was initially found responsive but soon lost consciousness, Shedlowski said. Members of the party initiated CPR, which was continued by responding National Park Service medical personnel.

“All attempts to resuscitate the victim were unsuccessful,” Shedlowski said in the statement.

An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by the authorities and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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