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In shocking apparent suicide, man drives over edge of Grand Canyon — and plummets 4,000 to its floor
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images

In shocking apparent suicide, man drives over edge of Grand Canyon — and plummets 4,000 to its floor

In a scene straight out of "Thelma & Louise," an apparently suicidal man drove his car over the edge of the Grand Canyon and plummeted the 4,000 feet to the canyon's floor.

What are the details?

According to a Thursday report from People, the unnamed man drove his car off the rim of Grand Canyon West on Wednesday.

Lea Cooper, marketing director for the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, said that the male was alone in the vehicle when he went over the side.

Cooper told the outlet, "Details are still unfolding, [but] based on the nature of the course of action of the individual, we do believe that it was an intentional event."

"This is an active investigation and we will provide updates as they become available," Cooper added. "These are certainly challenging times. The entire Hualapai community sends thoughts of peace and healing for the individual's family and friends."

The Hualapai Police Department are working on body and vehicle recovery and are also investigating the incident.

Police have yet to issue any information on the victim's identity at the time of this reporting.

In a statement, the Hualapai Police Department said, "Earlier today, a situation occurred at the western rim of the Grand Canyon as a visitor to the site tragically took his own life. The police of the Hualapai Tribe mourn this loss along with the individual's family and friends."

In a Facebook post on the horrific incident, Ruby Steele — interim CEO for the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation and member of the Hualapai Tribe, which owns and operates the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation — added, "The Hualapai people consider the canyon a place of sacred beauty and healing, and we are devastated by this tragedy. Our team joins in thoughts of peace as a journey to healing begins for the individual's family, guest of Grand Canyon West, and our staff."

The post concluded, "If you're thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)."

What else?

A September article from Backpacker's Emma Veidt reports that at least 12 people per year die at the Grand Canyon — mostly as a result of airplane crashes, falls, overheating, or drowning.

That month, Oregon hiker David Colburn unintentionally fell 50 feet to his death during a hiking trip in the canyon.

His body was found and recovered the next day.

Colburn, fire chief of the Tygh Valley Rural Fire Protection District, was just 48 years old at the time of his death.

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