ASU Student Dies in Rappelling Accident

A 21-year-old Arizona State University student died on Saturday in a rappelling accident near the Salt River. A Maricopa County Sheriff's Office spokesman says Katelyn Conrad died from a 150-foot fall while rappelling in an area near the Coon Bluff Recreation Area, which is a popular access point for people...

By Matthew Hendley

January 19, 2015

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A 21-year-old Arizona State University student died on Saturday in a rappelling accident near the Salt River.

A Maricopa County Sheriff's Office spokesman says Katelyn Conrad died from a 150-foot fall while rappelling in an area near the Coon Bluff Recreation Area, which is a popular access point for people who go tubing on the Salt River.

The Sheriff's Office says an "unknown 'rigging' failure" led to the fall.

According to Conrad's Facebook page, she attended Highland High School in Gilbert, and was in Barrett, The Honors College at ASU.

She was the daughter of Phoenix police Lieutenant Robert Conrad.

"The entire Phoenix Police Department wishes to express their condolences to the Conrad family," acting Police Chief Joe Yahner said in a statement to media outlets. "Katelyn Conrad suddenly lost her life yesterday in a rappeling accident in the East Valley. Her father, Lieutenant Robert Conrad, has been with the Phoenix Police Department for nearly 27 years. At this time of grieving, the family has asked everyone to respect their privacy."

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