Grand Canyon Park Rangers Seek Man Who Damaged Hopi Headpiece

Law enforcement rangers at Grand Canyon National Park are seeking the public’s help identifying a man who damaged a Hopi headpiece after climbing onto historic furniture for a photo and falling over.

The National Park Service said the incident took place sometime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, near the fireplace on the ground floor of the Desert View Watchtower.

Witnesses reported that a man in his 60s or 70s climbed onto “historic handcrafted furniture” near the fireplace to take a photo. The furniture tipped over, and as the man reached out to steady himself, he struck the Hopi headpiece, causing it to fall and break in multiple places.

Park staff initially assisted the man with a first aid kit, but he and an adult woman believed to be his daughter left before law enforcement rangers could respond.

The man is described as being white, standing approximately 6 feet tall, with a slender build, gray or white har, and a clean-shaven face. The woman with him was described as being in her 30s or 40s, standing approximately 5 feet, 5 inches tall, with an average build and dark hair below shoulder-length.

The headpiece was created by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie, and has since been secured by the park’s museum staff.

“Desert View Watchtower is one of Grand Canyon National Park’s most significant historic and cultural spaces,” park officials said. “Visitors are reminded not to climb, sit or stand on historic furnishings, railings, walls or other protected features. These actions can damage irreplaceable park resources and create safety hazards for visitors and staff.”

Park officials are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information about the visitors in question, to contact Grand Canyon National Park law enforcement.