LAS VEGAS (AP) — Police say a fall that killed a 21-year-old Las Vegas hiker Thursday at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area west of Las Vegas appears to have been an accident.
Las Vegas police Officer Marcus Martin said Friday that investigators don't suspect foul play.
Authorities said that Marcos Macias fell more than 20 feet on rocks in the Calico Basin area.
A police search-and-rescue team and helicopter medics reached Macias after a hiking partner reported the fall a little before 3:30 p.m. Thursday, but he was pronounced dead.
The family of the 2008 Palo Verde High School graduate issued a statement saying Macias died doing one of many activities he enjoyed with his friends.
They say they'll miss him and can't express their sadness in words.
"Today we tragically lost our beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend, Marcos. He was hiking with his friends at Red Rock, doing one of the many activities he enjoyed doing with his friends. At the young age of 21, Marcos was such a happy young man and had many exciting plans for his life. He loved his family and friends and above all he loved life. We will miss him terribly and cannot express in words the sadness we are experiencing. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers."
He is survived by his parents Juan and Edith Macias and two sisters.
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