Cliffjumper dies after jumping into Lake Powell, Utah

A 36-year-old Ohio man died after jumping off a 50-foot cliff into Lake Powell at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah, rangers reported.

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Onlookers said Cory Ryan Ehrnschwender of Cincinnati never resurfaced after jumping into the lake at 11:43 a.m. Thursday, July 20, the National Park Service said in a news release.

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On Friday, July 21, a Utah Department of Public Safety dive team found his body in 30 feet of water, the release said.

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His body was taken to the Utah State Medical Examiner for autopsy, rangers said. An investigation into his death continues.

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Jumping off cliffs, ledges or other locations more than 15 feet above the water is prohibited at Lake Powell, rangers said.

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Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers about 1.25 million acres in Utah and Arizona. More than 3.1 million people visited the area in 2021, the National Park Service said.

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What to know about drowning

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At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.

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Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.

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The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.

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“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”

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