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Makanda man killed at Little Grand Canyon

By Codell Rodriguez, The Southern

Sunday, September 21, 2008 3:04 AM CDT

MURPHYSBORO - Joseph Kelly, 20, of Makanda died after falling about 200 feet from a scenic overlook in Little Grand Canyon.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department received notification shortly before 1:30 a.m. Saturday from Kelly's family that he had failed to return home from hiking.

Kelly's vehicle was located at Little Grand Canyon. Shortly after daylight, a search was conducted by the sheriff's department, Murphysboro/Pomona/Somerset Fire Department, Jackson County Ambulance Service Rope Rescue Team, Illinois Department of Natural Resources police and U.S. Forest Service officers.

Shortly before 9 a.m., Kelly's body was found at the bottom of the scenic overlook. It appears he died instantly, according to a news release from the sheriff's department.

Foul play is not suspected, but an investigation continues.

Bob Tyson, who leads hikes for The Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club, said there are fences with warning signs at the scenic overlooks.

Tyson said it is very possible that rainfall could have been a factor in the fall, especially with the trail's rocky terrain. Tyson said the best advice he can give hikers is to go with a group, stay on the trails and be aware of posted warnings.

"Heed the warnings at the cliff tops that say stay behind the fence," Tyson said.

Tyson said the trail is one of the more difficult in the area, containing several different paths that include slopes on rocky surfaces. He said in rainy and icy weather, there is higher chance of injury.

The Shawnee National Forest lists trails as easy, moderate and difficult. Little Grand Canyon is listed on its Web site as difficult.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com / 351-5804