Authorities search for two men who damaged ancient rock formations at Lake Mead National Park
Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals responsible for the destruction of rock formations within Lake Mead National Park.
The perpetrators were caught on camera deliberately toppling federally-protected red rock formations, causing them to disintegrate into dust upon impact.
Watch the video below.
Park officials have confirmed that the viral footage depicts two individuals scaling rock formations, estimated to be 140 million years old, along the Red Stone Dune Trail within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on April 7, 2024.
In the video, a child can be heard shouting “Don’t fall!” as the men deliberately push the rocks to the ground, witnessing their disintegration into dust.
“It’s beyond comprehension why anyone would do this to such a beautiful area. It’s one of my personal favorites in the park, and to see it being destroyed like this is heartbreaking. I just can’t wrap my head around it,” expressed John Haynes, a spokesperson for the recreation area.
Haynes emphasized that the damage inflicted by the individuals is irreversible.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area, situated just outside Las Vegas and sprawling across 1.5 million acres, encompasses vast expanses that are challenging to patrol effectively.
Due to limited staffing, park authorities heavily rely on visitors to help maintain the integrity of the park. Visitors are urged to report any suspicious activities they encounter.
John Haynes elaborated, “With 1.5 million acres, encompassing two sizable lakes and a portion of the Colorado River, it’s a logistical challenge for our staff to cover every corner simultaneously.”
If apprehended, the perpetrators could face felony charges, substantial fines, and potential incarceration.
Anyone possessing information pertinent to the case is urged to reach out to the National Park System.
