UPDATE: police identify two who died after falling from cliff at Bryce Canyon, cat survives

Tourists discovered the victims and their cat 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.

Cat survives fall

Mirage, an elderly female tabby, was found with her owners in Bryce Canyon National Park and appears to have survived the fall that killed them, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Thursday.

The cat was discovered with her owners at the bottom of the 380 foot cliff in a worn, torn, soft-sided carrier.

The cat, believed to be around 12 years old, was described as “matted and a bit sore,” but appeared to have “weathered the fall fairly well,” according to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and SLT’s reporting.

She had no ID, and staff at the sanctuary have named her Mirage, Alina Hauptman, a spokesperson for the sactuary said.

Mirage was first taken to the Pawz Dogs boarding facility in Panguitch on Tuesday evening. The next day, the Garfield County Sheriff contacted Best Friends, prompting veterinary staff to make the 70-mile trip from Kanab to retrieve her and bring her to the sanctuary’s clinic.

Best Friends said Mirage was calm and friendly during her initial exam. Her bloodwork came back normal, and the team was awaiting further X-rays to determine whether she had suffered broken ribs or other internal injuries.

“Best Friends’ focus right now is to give Mirage the best possible care and a safe, loving place to rest for as long as she needs. We will work with the authorities to see if there are any extended family members, who may wish to welcome her into their home. If not, Best Friends is committed to finding her an adoptive home,” Hauptman said.

 

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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.”