Hiker from Sedona dies in Bryce Canyon National Park

Aug 16, 2023

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BRYCE CANYON CITY, Utah — A long-time teacher from Sedona was found dead at Bryce Canyon National Park on Saturday.

Jeanne Roblez Howell, 64, was late to return after going on a 2 p.m. hike Friday on the Fairyland Loop Trail. A search of the area was conducted by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety following an overdue hiker report to Bryce Canyon National Park at 7 p.m.

Howell’s body was found at 1:30 a.m. the next day in Campbell Canyon, approximately a mile east of the Fairyland Loop, and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Garfield County Medical Examiner.

“This is a tragic event, and our deepest sympathy goes out to the victim’s friends and family,” Allana Olbrich, acting Bryce Canyon superintendent said in a press release. “I also want to express the park’s appreciation for the support we’ve received from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety.”

Howell taught math at Verde Valley School for the last nine years and was remembered by colleagues for her infectious, upbeat attitude.

“She was one of these people that was just so full of life," said Benjamin Lee, a school administrator. "Even just a quick interaction with her and you would be struck by how vivacious and enthusiastic and happy and energetic she was and to think of that life force not existing anymore was just very difficult to comprehend.”

Students have created a memorial for Howell outside of her classroom.

A thunderstorm delivered heavy rain to the northern end of the park in the afternoon of Aug. 25 and flash flooding was observed in dry washes along the Fairyland Loop trail, which is approximately eight miles in length.

It's unclear, however, what led to the woman's death.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a sprawling reserve in southern Utah.

The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has provided the following tips on what hazards to watch out for during and after a flood, including fire, electrical and chemical safety:

Generators and alternative heating devices can create fire hazards during flooding if they aren’t used correctly or maintained properly. Pools of water and appliances can become electrically charged and can cause electrical fires.

On electricity, residents in flooded areas should turn off the power to their homes if they can reach the main breaker or fuse box. All wiring in the house may be electrically charged and hazardous. Residents should have a professional technician check their home for damages before turning on the power.

Make sure potentially combustible liquids like paint thinner, lighter fluid or gasoline haven’t spilled within or near your home. Keep combustible liquids away from electrical or alternative heat sources as to not start a fire.

All smoke alarms in the home should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced yearly. Some smoke alarms are dependent on your home’s electrical service and may go out when power is turned off.

Make sure the fire hydrant near your home is cleared of debris so the fire department can assess it easily in the event of a fire.

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