Corona Arch Death- Kyle Lee Stocking Dies Swinging From Rock Formation
The Corona Arch saw Kyle Lee Stocking die Sunday afternoon after the 22-year-old attempted a daredevil stunt at the famous Utah rock formation. Stocking's rope swing came to fatal halt because the length had been miscalculated and was too long.
The Corona Arch, located near Moab, Utah, was popularized with various videos depicting rope swing stunts. Although private companies were prohibited from charging citizens for rope swing trips, private parties were allowed to swing, and this time it resulted in tragedy.
"(The) length of rope to swing from the arch was miscalculated and when [Stocking] swung under the arch, he struck the ground … receiving fatal injuries," Lt. Kim Neal of the Grand County Sheriff's office told Fox News. Because the drop was over 140 feet, Stocking was found dead at the scene.
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Stocking, a West Jordan native, had traveled to see the red sandstone formation with five other friends when the accident happened around 3:30 p.m.
Although it is unknown what exactly prompted the friends' trip, the Corona Rock Arch has gained mass popularity recently, with many videos being made of successful rope swings. One such video, titled "World's Largest Rope Swing," went viral gaining over 17 million YouTube views in a little over a month's time.
Though the natural attraction had grown popular, state officials attempted to curb trips to jump off it. Companies had been taking advantage of the rock formation's popularity and taking paying clients to experience it. Utah officials banned the practice, hoping to absolve themselves of any future liability in case someone was harmed.
To see an example of rope swinging from the arch, click below.
