Mountain climber dies after falling off ledge at national park, Texas officials say

A hiker died after falling off the edge of one of the tallest mountains in Texas, officials say.

The fatal fall happened during the afternoon on Saturday, April 29, at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, but the hiker’s body was not found until the next morning, according to the National Park Service.

The mountain climber’s age and identity have not been released as of Tuesday, May 2.

“Guadalupe Mountains National Park staff are saddened by this tragedy and our entire park community extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of those involved,” said Eric Leonard, superintendent of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

A member of the same climbing party was also stranded during their climb and rescued Sunday morning, the park service said.

Park officials said a search-and-rescue member was injured and taken to a hospital in El Paso, about 115 miles west of the mountain.

The National Park Service reminded visitors that rock climbing is not allowed at the park.

“Most of the rock within Guadalupe Mountains National Park is highly fractured limestone,” the park service said. “These conditions are prevalent throughout the park and create loosely jointed rock that is easily dislodged, resulting in dangerous climbing conditions.”

Guadalupe Mountains National Park includes the eighth highest peak in Texas. It’s unclear what part of the mountain the climbers were in.

This story was originally published May 2, 2023 at 3:58 PM with the headline "Mountain climber dies after falling off ledge at national park, Texas officials say."