SAN JUAN COUNTY, UTAH – August 25, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – A Colorado man died after strong winds dragged him off a cliff in Canyonlands National Park Monday night.
San Juan County Sheriff’s office confirmed Tuesday morning that Craig Pirazzi, 56, of Paradox Colorado, was attempting to take off around 6:30 p.m. when the strong winds knocked him off causing him to spiral out of control about 300 feet towards the ground.
Other gliders repelled down to Pirazzi and administered CPR and first aid but Pirazzi didn’t respond and was pronounced dead at the scene due to serious head and body trauma.
San Juan County Search and Rescue crews worked through the night in order to hoist Pirazzi’s body up with the use of ropes as well as the two other gliders back up the cliff.
The incident occurred at the Indian Creek area east of Canyonlands National Park.
