In separate incidents, 2 hikers die in Great Smoky Mountains, Zion national parks

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In separate incidents, 2 hikers die in Great Smoky Mountains, Zion national parks

Feb. 3 (UPI) — Two hikers recently have been found dead in national parks in Tennessee and Utah.

On Sunday, the body of Cesar Herrera-Ruiz, a 37-year-old ********* national, was found at Zion National Park in Utah, and Ann Houghton, age 73, was found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, authorities said.

Zion National Park

Sgt. Brett Bonner with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Utah confirmed to

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the identity of the victim Monday. The sheriff’s office is investigating the cause of the man’s death.

The sheriff’s office received a report of possible fall of a hiker at 7:06 a.m. Sunday and worked with

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in a search-and-rescue mission.

A hiker was found dead at Overlook Trail at Zion National Park. Photo courtesy National Parks Service

Personnel with Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue arrived and found him dead on the Canyon Overlook Trail

More than 30 people with these agencies were involved.

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A 73-year-old woman was found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Photo courtesy National Parks Service

The popular mile-long Overlook Trail was temporarily closed for recovery operations.

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, a 40-year-old man fell approximately 200 feet to his death while canyoneering with three others, according to the National Park Service.

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, which is 232 square miles, ranges from 3,666 feet at Coalpits Wash to 8,726 feet at Horse Ranch Mountain.

Smoky Mountains National Park

Houghton was reported missing Saturday.

Her vehicle was located at the Smokemont Campground.

Law enforcement and search and rescue included personnel with the Cherokee Fire and Rescue, BUSAR, Macon Volunteer Fire Department, Cowee Volunteer Fire Department, Appalachian Mountain Rescue Team and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

She was found deceased at 1:53 p.m. roughly a quarter mile off Enloe Creek Trail.

Houghton was a resident of Jackson County, N.C., and had volunteered in the park for more than 20 years.

“Ann was an enduring and beloved member of our Smokies Community,” said Charles Sellars, acting superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, said. “She was a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who shared her passion for the park with many visitors.”

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straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee as part of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The park encompasses 816.28 squares miles. Elevations range from about 875 feet to 6,643 feet at the summit of Kuwohi.

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