Australian man dies while swimming during a Grand Canyon river trip

PHOENIX – A 77-year-old international tourist died while swimming during a Grand Canyon river trip this week, authorities said Thursday.

Kenneth Reece of Tasmania, Australia, was recovered Tuesday from below Deer Creek Falls along the Colorado River by other trip members, who performed CPR, according to a Grand Canyon National Park press release.

Park rangers responded and took over resuscitation efforts, but they could not revive Reece, the release said.

His body was transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, which is investigating the death along with park rangers.

Deer Creek Falls is a popular stop for river rafters. The waterfall flows through side canyons directly into the Colorado River.

Officials said swimming in the river is unlike swimming in pools because of changes in depth, currents and temperatures. They warned that even strong swimmers can have trouble.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[newsletter][/newsletter]

Related

Body recovered from Grand Canyon believed to be missing California manCity of Chandler to hold public meeting on planned utility rate increaseArizona food bank receives 1st delivery as part of egg price-fixing settlementWhich Arizona cities, counties, law enforcement agencies have stopped using Flock cameras?2 Phoenix officers put on leave after allegedly using force, not activating body cams during stopJonas Brothers to bring The Burning Up Tour All Over Again to Glendale in November