Earlier this month, an Australian man was found dead on the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon, and it appears the man may have been struck by lightning.
Paramedics found 21-year-old Jonathan Crowden about a mile down the trail, near Ooh-Aah Point. The National Park Service and the Coconino County medical examiner are investigating the incident, the Park Service said in a news release.
This tragedy should serve as a reminder to exercise extreme caution when lightning is in the area. Even though monsoon season is winding down, storms can happen anywhere in Arizona at almost any time of year. The Park Service recommends the following practices for dealing with lightning:
- During storms and lightning activity, stay away from exposed points. The safest place to be during a storm is inside a building or vehicle, with the windows closed.
- Avoid touching metal railings when lightning activity is nearby.
- If you're in an open area during a storm, assume the lightning position. Squat or ball yourself up to be as low as possible, but don't lie flat on the ground. Wrap your arms around your legs, keep your feet together and, if possible, use a sleeping pad or other insulated object to sit on. Avoid sitting on backpacks with metal frames.
Also, keep in mind that if you hear thunder within 30 seconds after a lightning flash, you should seek shelter in a building or vehicle.
Stay safe out there, folks!