Sedona AZ (July 9, 2013) – Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating the death of twenty seven year-old Danielle Marie Harris of Mesa, Arizona, who was struck by a falling tree branch in Supai Canyon.

On Saturday July 6, 2013, at about 4:15 in the afternoon, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Officers assigned to law enforcement duties in Supai Canyon. According to the BIA investigator, Ms. Harris was staying at the designated camp ground in the canyon with nine other people in her group, all from the greater Phoenix area.

The victim was seated at a picnic table positioned under a large cottonwood tree located in the campground. BIA investigators believe that as a result of high winds, a large branch that was approximately twelve inches in diameter broke off and struck the victim who sustained multiple injuries that included severe head trauma. A portion of the branch also struck a forty seven year-old male of Peoria, Arizona, who was standing in close proximity to the picnic table.

Medical personnel employed by the Havasupai Nation responded and determined that Ms. Harris was deceased. The male who also was struck by the branch was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and flown to the Flagstaff Medical Center by an Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Helicopter.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives are continuing this investigation.

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