Police identify two who died after falling from cliff at Bryce Canyon’s Inspiration Point

Bryce Canyon's Inspiration Point area, where two tourists fell to their death this week. Photo: National Park Service

Tourists discovered the victims after the pair reportedly climbed over a safety railing

Updated at 11:39 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025

Authorities have identified two Florida residents who died after falling from a 380-foot cliff at Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park earlier this week.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said 45-year-old Matthew Nannen and 58-year-old Bailee Crane died late Monday night or early Tuesday morning after reportedly climbing over a safety railing at the scenic overlook. Their bodies were discovered by tourists Tuesday morning, who alerted park rangers.

Detectives said the pair appeared to have been living out of a U-Haul and had recently traveled to Utah after spending an extended period in Arizona. Officials notified next of kin Wednesday afternoon.

While the investigation remains open, detectives said the exact circumstances surrounding the fall remain unclear. “All possibilities are being considered,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement, but no definitive cause has yet been determined.

BRYCE CANYON, Utah — Two people are dead after falling from a cliff at Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park, according to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say the fall occurred sometime late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. The bodies were discovered by tourists, who alerted Park Rangers. The Rangers then contacted the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, which holds jurisdiction in the area.

 

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Few details have been released about the victims. Officials say they were most recently living in Florida and staying in a U-Haul truck. Their identities have not been made public pending notification of next of kin.

Investigators confirmed the pair had climbed over a safety railing between the designated trail and the cliff edge before the fall. The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.

The Garfield County Search and Rescue team led the recovery effort, with assistance from Bryce Canyon Park Rangers and the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Aero Bureau. Officials praised the DPS helicopter pilot for helping ensure the safety of rescuers during the operation.

Garfield County Sheriff Eric Houston issued a reminder to visitors to prioritize safety when exploring Utah’s natural landmarks.

“Use caution, don’t exceed your skill level, and always observe and obey signs and safety measures like railings,” Houston said in a statement. “We want everyone to return home safely.”