A 12-year-old tabby cat named Mirage has survived a fall at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, where two people tragically died. The cat was discovered in a torn black carrier near the bodies of 45-year-old Matthew Nannen and 58-year-old Bailee Crane, who had fallen approximately 380 feet after climbing over a railing at Inspiration Point. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office reported that the pair had been living in a U-Haul and were previously residents of Florida, having traveled to Utah after spending time in Arizona.
Judah Battista, the Chief Sanctuary Officer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, stated that while Mirage suffered from a few fractured ribs and broken canine teeth, her blood work was normal. She is now eating and drinking on her own, and Battista expects her to make a full recovery. He described her as “a very sweet girl doing very well,” highlighting the remarkable nature of her survival.
The fall of Crane and Nannen is still under investigation, and authorities have not confirmed whether Mirage belonged to them. The park has seen previous incidents, including the June 2024 death of ranger Tom Lorig, who died from injuries sustained while directing visitors during the park’s Astronomy Festival, and the 2023 death of experienced hiker Jeanne Roblez Howell, who went missing and was found dead days later.
The tragic events at Bryce Canyon underscore the dangers associated with the park’s scenic viewing areas, urging visitors to adhere to safety guidelines while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes.
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