If you’ve ever hiked up Angel’s Landing — arguably the most iconic trail in Zion National Park — then you know how dangerous it can be. In fact, falling is by far the leading cause of death in America’s second-most-popular national park.
That’s what happened to Bernadette Vander Meer in August 2006. She fell to her death from the hiking trail “under suspicious circumstances,” according to local authorities. But after 20 years, no arrest was ever made in connection with her death — until now.
On Monday, police arrested David Vander Meer, Bernadette’s husband, on charges of murder and insurance fraud in connection with her death in Zion. The Washington County Attorney’s Office made the arrest in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service after receiving a tip, according to a news release shared with GearJunkie.
A Las Vegas resident and former youth pastor, Vander Meer was arrested after authorities received a warrant for his arrest from a district judge. The case of Bernadette’s death is now officially reopened, the Washington County Attorney’s Office announced. Police are asking anyone with information relevant to the case to call the county attorney’s office at (435) 301-7100.
Fatal Falls in Zion
Angel’s Landing has a reputation as one of the most beautiful vistas among the national parks — and one of the deadliest hikes for those who attempt its vertiginous trail. Just last month, GearJunkie Staff Writer Mary Andino took a closer look at this popular hike and why it’s so dangerous.
The 4-mile trail has a long history of accidents and fatalities. Other trails — like Grand Canyon National Park’s Bright Angel Trail — actually see more rescues per year. But no other national park trail has seen as many fall deaths as Angels Landing.
On April 17, a 68-year-old man from Texas was hiking the famous trail when he slipped and fell on the steep section with chain railings. He subsequently died from his injuries. His death marked the 18th known fatality on Angels Landing.
The deaths often occur during the last 0.5 miles of the trail, leading to the final viewpoint. Roughly 200,000 people hike this permitted trail every year, often creating a dangerous bottleneck at one of the trail’s most exposed sections.
As for Bernadette Vander Meer, police haven’t revealed details of the tip that led them to arrest David Vander Meer, or any evidence that suggests her fatal fall was actually a murder. In Utah, the penalty for murder charges ranges from 15 years to life in prison.
“As a reminder, David Vander Meer is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court,” police said in Monday’s announcement about the arrest.
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