Ontario woman scheduled to get married in a month dies while hiking at the Grand Canyon
An Ontario woman died while hiking in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, one month before she was scheduled to get married.
The U.S. National Park Service received a report of a hiker in distress at approximately 5:50 p.m. on Thursday from the Bright Angel Trail above Three-Mile Resthouse.
"Soon thereafter the hiker became unresponsive and bystanders initiated CPR," the NPS said in a statement.
"National Park Service (NPS) search and rescue personnel responded and assisted with resuscitation efforts. All attempts to resuscitate the individual were unsuccessful."
The victim has been identified as Melanie Goodine, 41, from the Niagara Region.
A news release from the National Park Service said she was from Ottawa, Ont.; however, her fiancé Steven Spicer, later confirmed to CTV News Ottawa that the information provided by the NPS was a mistake.
“She didn’t live in Ottawa, but I think it’s because the police here, they couldn’t find Niagara Regional Police and they sent the paperwork to the Canadian Consulate,” Spicer, said.
Goodine was scheduled to be married next month, and wanted to do one more hike before getting married, according to her fiancé. Spicer described Goodine as silly and fun loving.
Melanie Goodine was scheduled to marry her fiancé Stephen Spicer next month. Goodine, 41, died while hiking in Arizona last Thursday. (Photo courtesy: Stephen Spicer)
Michelle Venneri says Goodine left an imprint on her soul.
"She radiated a warmth and possessed a pure, genuine nature," Venneri told CTV News Ottawa.
"Quite rare to find in this world these days. Our interactions were few and far between over the years … but her lasting impressions always left an imprint on my soul and I’m sure on many others in this world also."
The National Park Service says Goodine was hiking out of the canyon after hiking to the Colorado River earlier in the day.
The Coconino County Medical Examiner and the National Park Service are investigating the death.
"All visitors to Grand Canyon should ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids, resting in shade during the heat of the day, watching for signs of distress in travelling companions, and dressing appropriately for the weather, which includes light-colored and loose-fitting clothing," NPS said. "The NPS does not recommend hiking from the rim to the river and back in one day."
A spokesperson for the Grand Canyon National Park told CNN that shade temperatures in the area reached 35 C to 40 C on Thursday.
Correction
A previous version of this story identified the victim as an Ottawa woman, based on information provided by the U.S. National Park Service. That information was released in error, according to the victim's fiancé, who said she is from the Niagara Region of Ontario.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.