Zachary “Zach” Crandall, 16, died on 19 August after falling while hiking with three friends on Devil’s Castle in Alta, Utah. Search and rescue teams located him by helicopter after a witness called emergency services, but he was already dead when rescuers reached him. The death highlights the serious risks associated with scrambling on exposed mountain terrain.

Devil’s Castle is a four-mile loop with around 1,486 feet of elevation gain, and officials said its ridgeline terrain can present significant fall hazards. Zach was remembered as an adventurous teenager who enjoyed climbing, hiking and other sports; his family has begun fundraising for a scholarship in his memory, raising more than $15,000. Rescue officials urged hikers to assess terrain carefully, turn back when necessary and seek help from a safe location.