Michael Harp was traveling along the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument on June 27 when the accident occurred, park officials said
Michael Harp, a 54-year-old fire captain from Sandy, Utah, who bravely served at Ground Zero during 9/11, tragically died in a rafting accident. Harp was on a private trip along the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument on June 27 when he became trapped under a boat. A news release from the National Park Service reported the incident occurred around 4 p.m. local time.
Despite the efforts of a group to move the vessel, which was pinned on a rock in the rapid named Hells Half Mile, Harp lost his lifejacket and drifted downriver unresponsive. His body was discovered the next morning approximately 10 river miles downstream by guides who were part of the search and recovery efforts. Harp’s body was then flown to the Moffat County coroner by a helicopter crew from Vernal-based Classic Air Medical.
With nearly 30 years of service under his belt, Michael Harp was not just an essential member of the Salt Lake City Fire Department but also an integral part of Utah Task Force 1. It was this dedication that saw him deployed to assist at Ground Zero following the events of September 11, 2001.
The Salt Lake City Fire Department expressed profound grief over the loss. In a heartfelt news release, they shared that, “Captain Michael Harp dedicated his life to the service of not only the citizens of Salt Lake City, but also his fellow firefighters. His legacy of service, leadership, compassion, and contagious laughter will forever be remembered by all who knew him.” The department extended condolences to the Harp family, and their thoughts and prayers are with friends and firefighters who are grieving during this difficult time.
Dinosaur National Monument officials also shared their condolences, expressing support for the family, friends, and river community affected by this incident. The national park thanked all those involved in the search and recovery efforts.
The Green River, known as one of the premier whitewater rivers in the western United States, flows through Dinosaur National Monument, which protects more than 105 miles of the waterways between the Green and Yampa Rivers.
