Canadian Hiker Dies After Fall on Popular Zion National Park Trail

Cesar Herrera-Ruiz, 37, was found dead Sunday morning on the Canyon Overlook Trail; authorities are investigating the incident.

Cesar Herrera-Ruiz, a 37-year-old Canadian national, fell to his death while hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park, Utah, on Sunday morning.
Authorities received a report of a possible fall at 7:06 a.m., and first responders pronounced Herrera-Ruiz dead at the scene by 7:40 a.m.
The Canyon Overlook Trail, known for its rocky terrain and scenic views, is rated as moderately difficult and features fenced sections along steep drop-offs.
The trail was temporarily closed to facilitate recovery efforts but has since reopened, according to park officials.
This marks the first fatality at Zion National Park in 2025, with falls being a leading cause of death in the park, which attracts nearly five million visitors annually.