Re: Fatality in Zion National Park

Fatality in Zion National Park
Date: April 28, 2010
Contact: Ron Terry, 435-772-7811

Zion National Park received a report on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at approximately 4:20 p.m. that a woman fell from Scout Lookout. The report came from a 911 call by other hikers. Rangers were immediately dispatched to the location to investigate.

Information from other hikers helped to determine the location where the fall occurred and the area to be searched below Scout Lookout. A body was sighted on a ledge approximately 1000 feet below Scout Lookout. To reach the location, rangers had to cross the Virgin River, flowing over 400 cubic feet per second at the time, ascend a steep slope and then use technical climbing skills to access the ledge. With darkness approaching, it was decided to postpone the recovery effort until Wednesday morning for the safety of the recovery team. On Wednesday morning, the recovery team successfully brought the body down to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

The woman, hiking alone and believed to be in her 60s, remains unidentified. Park Rangers are searching for unattended vehicles and checking with lodging facilities in the park and in Springdale.

As is the case with all fatalities in Zion National Park, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident in cooperation with the National Park Service.

Falling Victim Identified
Date: May 4, 2010
Contact: Ron Terry, 435 772-0160
Contact: Ray O’Neil, 435 772-7823

The victim of a 1,000 foot fall from Scout Lookout in Zion National Park has been identified as Regine Milobedzki, age 63 of Upland, California. Scout Lookout is a popular viewpoint located along the West Rim Trail at the junction with the route to Angels Landing.

Zion National Park received a report on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at approximately 4:20 p.m. that a woman fell from Scout Lookout. Her body was found that evening and recovered the next morning. Due to lack of identification with the body, the woman remained unidentified until Thursday, April 29. That afternoon, a local hotel reported a guest who had not checked out on time. After matching the driver’s license photo of the guest with the victim, a positive identification was made. The name has been withheld until this time pending notification of the family.

The circumstances surrounding the cause of the fall remain under investigation. As is the case with all fatalities in Zion National Park, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident in cooperation with the National Park Service.

All visitors to Zion National Park are reminded to remain vigilant when near exposed cliffs. Any location with vertical exposure can be dangerous and should not be underestimated. Attention to the terrain and focus on footing are essential for a safe experience.