MOAB, Utah, June 9, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — A woman in her mid 30s was found deceased Tuesday morning in Moab’s Swanny Park after investigators say she climbed one of the park’s largest trees, and a branch broke, causing her to fall approximately 40 feet to the ground.
The woman’s name is being withheld, pending next-of-kin notification.
A Moab resident was on a walk in the southwest part of Swanny Park, near 400 North and 100 West, at about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, and noticed a medium sized tree branch under the largest tree in that part of the park.
“Upon closer inspection, they observed there was a person partially covered by the branch,” the Moab Police statement says. “The resident ran to the Aquatic Center to call for help.”
Moab Fire, EMS and police responded quickly, as did Grand County Sheriff officials.
“Unfortunately, it was clear the woman found on the ground had passed away earlier and was beyond help.”
A crime scene was secured and an investigation begun.
Based on the evidence at the scene and likely time of death, it is believed the victim arrived at the park sometime between 1:30 and 4 to 5 a.m. Tuesday., the police statement says.
“It appears the victim then climbed to the very top of the large tree in the southwest part of the park. At the top of the tree, the victim would have been approximately 40 feet off the ground.
“The branch was one of two that formed a ‘V,’ at the very top part of the tree. We believe the victim was standing in that ‘V’ when one of the branches broke, causing the victim to fall” onto the ground below.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine official cause of death, “however evidence at the scene points to this being a tragic accident.”
Gephardt Daily will share additional information as it is released.
