Body Of Man Found In Caldera Of Kilauea Volcano After Apparent Fall

The 38-year-old was found Sunday morning 250 feet below the Crater Rim Trail during a helicopter search.

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(AP) — A 38-year-old man has died on Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane said Monday that the man was found on the caldera floor about 250 feet below Crater Rim Trail.

Two hikers found a backpack on the trail Saturday and alerted officials. Rangers began looking for the owner Saturday night, but the search was suspended because of dangerous conditions. The body was found Sunday morning by rangers searching by helicopter.

Since 1990, four people have died from falls around the rim of Kilauea’s summit crater. Chad Blair/Civil Beat

Ferracane said it is believed the man died from a fall, but an investigation is ongoing.

The Big Island area is open to visitors, but officials encourage hikers to stay on marked trails. The site does not have an active lava flow, though Kilauea is erupting.

Since 1990, four people have died from falls around the crater rim.

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