A 12-year-old cat named Mirage is recovering at a Utah animal sanctuary after surviving a 400-foot fall at Bryce Canyon National Park that killed her two owners.
The tragic incident occurred on April 29, when Matthew Nannen, 45, and Bailee Crane, 58, fell from a viewpoint in the park. According to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the couple had climbed over a safety railing before the fall. Snow on the ground may have made the surface slippery, but it remains unclear whether the fall was accidental or intentional.
Tourists discovered the bodies and alerted authorities. Mirage, the couple’s tabby cat, was found nearby in a soft carrier. She was quickly taken to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for treatment. The fall left her with two broken ribs and some dental injuries.
“She’s recovering well and enjoys the attention of the care staff,” said Judah Battista, chief sanctuary officer at Best Friends. “She likes it quiet and calm, and while she’s a bit overwhelmed, she’s in good spirits.”
Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations called hoodoos, draws thousands of visitors daily. A park spokesperson confirmed that the viewpoint is surrounded by a safety railing and that no other fatalities have been reported at the site.
The couple, originally from Florida, had been living in a U-Haul truck and traveling through Arizona and Utah. Their rescue and recovery involved multiple agencies, including the Garfield County Search and Rescue Team, Bryce Canyon Park Rangers, and the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Aero Bureau.
Sheriff Eric Houston urged visitors to prioritize safety in the outdoors. “Don’t exceed your skill levels, obey warning signs, and use safety features like railings,” he said in a statement.
Mirage is expected to remain on restricted activity for at least six weeks while she heals. The sanctuary is currently in contact with the couple’s extended family to determine her future home.
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