Kayaker Fatality at Badger Rapids on Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – On Wednesday, June 11 at approximately 2:00 p.m. the National Park Service received a call reporting an unconscious male kayaker at Badger Rapids, river mile 8 on the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park.

The victim was in a kayak that capsized in Badger Rapids where he was unable to right himself. The safety boat was able to reach the kayak and found the victim initially responsive but he soon lost consciousness. Members of the party initiated CPR that was continued by responding National Park Service medical personnel. All attempts to resuscitate the victim were unsuccessful. The 43 year old victim has been identified as Hans Uhl of Germany. Mr. Uhl was part of a commercial river trip that was on day 1 of a multi-day trip.

An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time.