Mountain guide dies after falling into canyon at Grand Teton National Park

A local mountain guide is dead after falling more than 2,400 feet into a canyon.

The accident happened around 10:30 Saturday morning.

Park rangers say 42-year-old Gary Falk was leading a group of clients to summit the Grand Teton.

While descending, Falk fell from the top of the Owen Spalding Rappel into Valhalla canyon His body was recovered via helicopter long line and Teton County Coroner declared Falk deceased Saturday afternoon.

He worked for Exum Mountain Guides for 12 years. He has a wife and two young sons.

In a statement, Exum President and co-owner Nat Patridge said, “The Teton Guiding community is devastated with this lost. Gary was a diligent guide, always the consummate professional. Exum is grieving from this news and struggling to comprehend the situation. All Exum operations will be closed Sunday , out of honor and respect for Gary. Our love goes out to Kate and their sons.”