Scottsdale man plunges to his death at Grand Canyon

A Scottsdale man fell to his death Monday afternoon from an overlook at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Michael S. Wilson, 47, fell from the first viewpoint along Desert View Drive, a 25-mile stretch that attracts tourists for it scenic views, said Shannan Marcak, a spokesperson for the Grand Canyon Public Affairs Office.

National Park Service Rangers responded to a 911 call around 4:15 p.m. from witnesses that reportedly saw Wilson fall.

Rangers on the rim and in a park helicopter spotted the man 250 feet below. Rescue workers quickly hiked down to Wilson, but determined he had died as a result of the fall.

The body was airlifted and taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's office in Flagstaff.

The National Park Service is conducting an investigation, however, initial speculations are that it was accidental.

Two falling fatalities were also reported in August. An average of 2 or 3 people die a year at the Grand Canyon from accidental falls.