Cat Survives 380-Foot Fall That Killed Two Hikers in Utah
Michelle Milliken
Two people fell to their deaths in a tragic incident at Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park last week, but an elderly cat apparently survived the fall.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, is currently caring for a 12 year old cat they’ve renamed Mirage. The cat was found in a dirty, mud covered soft-sided carrier near the bodies of 45 year old Matthew Nannen and 58 year old Bailee Crane. According to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, it’s believed that they fell 380 feet from Bryce Canyon’s Inspiration Point on either April 28 or April 29. Though the circumstances behind their fall are unknown, officials say they had gone past a safety railing.

Their bodies were found by other tourists on April 29. Later that night, Mirage was found alive.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office reached out to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, located in nearby Kanab, who quickly stepped in to help.
According to the rescue, apart from some fractured ribs and broken teeth, Mirage appears to be okay. She’s eating and drinking on her own and getting needed vet care. She’s also expected to make a full recovery.
Judah Battista, Best Friends chief Sanctuary officer says, “She’s a very sweet girl and doing very well. It’s really remarkable.”

The rescue has been reaching out to see if any extended family would like to take Mirage. If not, they will try to find her a new forever home.
You can hear more of her story in the video below.