Another father and son have been identified as the victims of this tragic fall. This scary encounter just happened at Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah. Matthew Nannen, 45, and Bailee Crane, 58, were both killed after plummeting from a viewing platform. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and the National Park Service, which has jurisdiction over the arches, are currently investigating the incident. It would have occurred late on April 28 or early on April 29.
Sightseers in the park found the remains of Nannen and Crane underneath Inspiration Point on April 29. According to preliminary reports, the duo had climbed over safety railings before their fatal fall. It is not yet clear what caused their fall, as officials are still working to piece together details from the scene.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological formations and outstanding natural beauty. The park has suffered its own tragedies in recent years. If confirmed, this recent incident would be just the latest opportunity for memorialization along a tragically short history for the park. Just this past May, 64-year-old Jeanne Roblez Howell—a retired Arizona middle school educator—was discovered deceased in Campbell Canyon.
Furthermore, Tom Lorig, a 78-year-old ranger, passed away in June 2024 following injuries sustained during an incident while on duty. Lorig leads visitors to a shuttle bus during the park’s annual Astronomy Festival. In an instant though, he stumbled, hitting the back of his head on a massive boulder. One of those visitors found him unconscious minutes after his fall and called in a park law enforcement ranger.
The Bryce Canyon National Park family is mourning the loss of these valued members of our community. In parallel, authorities have begun looking into what led to the recent deaths. Today, the park continues to be a mecca for travelers seeking to enjoy the splendor of nature and the park’s one-of-a-kind terrain.
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