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Grand Canyon South Rim Crash Victim Identified as 27-Year-Old Colorado Man

Authorities are investigating the vehicle’s plunge near the South Kaibab Trailhead pending medical examiner findings.

Overview

  • Park officials said the incident was reported around 12:40 p.m. on September 7 near the South Kaibab Trailhead on the South Rim.
  • The National Park Service identified the deceased as Steven (Drew) Bradley, 27, of Federal Heights, Colorado.
  • Rangers recovered his body about 300 feet below the rim, then a helicopter transported it to the rim for transfer to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
  • Investigators have not released a cause, and the Park Service provided crisis resources including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
  • Similar fatal rim-driving incidents were recorded in 2009, 2021, and February 2025, and NPS data show 103 deaths in the park from 2014–2019 with 14 classified as suicides.