Utah Boy Scout dies in Supai Canyon

Mooney_Falls_20120621124317_JPG

Mooney Falls, Supai Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park.
Photographer: azwater.gov

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Posted: 06/21/2012

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ - Authorities are investigating the apparent drowning of a 16-year-old Boy Scout from Utah at Supai Canyon in Grand Canyon National Park.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Department says an investigation shows Kreg Harrison, Jr. of St. George, Utah and three other scouts were swimming in the pool of water immediately below Mooney Falls Wednesday and were attempting to swim near to or underneath the waterfall.

Investigators described the pool under the falls as about 5 feet deep with a very strong undercurrent.

The boys reportedly saw Harrison struggle and go under the water, and when one of the boys tried to pull the victim above the water the undercurrent was so strong it almost pulled the second boy under as well.

Eventually, one of the other swimmers was able to pull Harrison to shore and a number of people, including a medical doctor with the group, tried to save Harrison by administering CPR.

Two of the scouts trapped behind the falls were rescued by adult leaders and boy scouts by forming a human chain.

Harrison's body was flown by a Department of Public Safety to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.

Officials said the group had planned on staying in the canyon until Friday, but in light of the events were being flown out of the canyon by helicopter today.

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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