If you’ve ever climbed Angel’s Landing – Arguably the most iconic trail in Zion National Park – then you know how dangerous it can be. In fact, falls are by far the leading cause of death in America’s second most popular national park.
This is what happened to Bernadette Vander Meer in August 2006. According to local authorities, she died after falling from a hiking trail “under suspicious circumstances”. But 20 years later, there have still been no arrests in connection with his death.
On Monday, police arrested Bernadette’s husband, David Vander Meer, on charges of murder and insurance fraud in connection with her death in Zion. According to a news release shared with GearJunkie, the Washington County Attorney’s Office teamed up with the U.S. Marshals Service to make the arrest after receiving a tip.
Vander Meer, a Las Vegas resident and former youth pastor, was arrested after authorities obtained a warrant for his arrest from a district judge. The Washington County Attorney’s Office announced that the case of Bernadette’s death has now been officially reopened. Police are asking anyone with information related to the case to call the County Attorney’s Office at (435) 301-7100.
Deadly Falls in Zion
Angels Landing has a reputation as one of the most beautiful landscapes in national parks – and one of the deadliest hikes for those who attempt its vertical path. 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 route has a long history of accidents and deaths. 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.
But 17th AprilA 68-year-old Texas man was hiking on the popular trail when he slipped and fell on a steep section with chain railings. He later died from his injuries. His death was the 18th known death at Angels Landing.
Deaths often occur during the last 0.5 miles of the route leading up to the final viewpoint. Approximately 200,000 people hike this permitted route each year, often creating a dangerous barrier on one of the most exposed sections of the route.
As for Bernadette Vander Meer, police have not provided 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 punishment for murder charges ranges from 15 years to life in prison.
“As a reminder, David Vander Meer is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” police said in Monday’s announcement about the arrest.
