Glendora woman plunges 1,000 feet to death in Utah's Zion National Park

A Glendora woman fell 1,000 feet to her death Sunday morning in Zion National Park in Utah, park officials said.

Nancy Maltez, 55, was at the top of the Angels Landing trail with her husband and three children, ages 14 to 20, when she fell off the vertical sandstone cliff, said park spokesman Ron Terry. She was killed instantly.

“Preliminary reports are that she stumbled,” Terry said.

Terry said police dispatchers in St. George, Utah, received a 911 call about the fall at 8:24 a.m.

Sheriff’s detectives in Washington County, Utah, are investigating the death with the National Park Service.

Comments

[Erika]

I've done the Angel's Landing trail and I disagree that it's the Park's responsibility to guide hikers. It's not their job to hold your hand.

If people are foolish enough to think they're able to do this trail, then it's unfortunate that this is the outcome. That's not to say the woman was incapable...but I've seen too many people do this course and many are not prepared properly (not enough water, etc.,). Again, I'm not saying this woman wasn't prepared.

I guess that's why I generally leave early when I hike to avoid the large crowds and lower the risks associated with certain trails. It's common sense. People know what they're getting into when hiking this trail and it's their decision to hike. If one is uncomfortable with the course, just stop before the chained area and wait for your party to come back; it's simple as that.

The trail should not be closed because of a few unfortunate incidents/deaths. Many others have hiked the trail and talk about the experience, the rush they had. It's a good memory of mine to know that I've done that course. So I hope they'll keep it open and perhaps further warn hikers about the dangers associated with Angel's Landing.