Date of Event: 9/5/2003
Canyon involved: Behunin
Region: Zion National Park, Utah
Country: USA
Submitted by: Dave Nally
Source: from the book “Deaths & Rescues in Zion National Park” by Dave Nally
Injuries: Fatality
Cause: Fall
Description of Event: On Friday, September 5, 2003, Christopher Frankewicz, age 37, of Springdale, Utah, fell while canyoneering through Behunin Canyon. This is a rugged canyoneering route that involves route finding off the West Rim Trail, eight rappels up to 165 feet each, and normally requiring approximately eight hours. Frankewicz was traveling alone, and intended to complete the trip in one day. Friends reported him overdue late Friday evening, and a ground search was begun early on Saturday morning. By late morning, a helicopter joined the search. Frankewicz’s body was found just after noon at the base of the fifth rappel (out of nine rappels) in the middle of the canyon. It appears that he fell 60-80 feet, possibly while attempting to locate the rappel station. A technical raise and helicopter long-line were used to remove his body from the canyon.
Analysis: Solo canyoneering involves significant added risk and is not recommended.