A 24-year-old man fell 500 feet to his death at the Grand Canyon National Park just days before he was due to begin his career as a nurse.

Andrey Privin, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, lost his footing after climbing over a railing to get a better view at the Mather Point lookout area on July 3.

Privin was supposed to start his job as a registered nurse at the Highland Park Hospital on Monday.

Some witnesses said they saw Privin throw his backpack to an intended landing spot before jumping a gap at the lookout area.

Andrey Privin, 24, fell 500 feet to his death at the Grand Canyon National Park just days before he was going to begin his career as a nurse

Privin, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, lost his footing after climbing over a railing to get a better view at the Mather Point lookout area (pictured) on July 3

Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, a spokeswoman for the park, said Privin's death is still under investigation.

'I understand that people are hypothesizing about what happened,' she told National Parks Traveler.

'While the incident remains under investigation, I can share that it is most likely he removed his backpack for better dexterity.'

Privin completed his bachelor's degree in nursing in April and posted about his excitement on Facebook.

'I can honestly say I've never wanted anything quite as much as I wanted to be a nurse,' he wrote.

'I am very proud to answer the call to serve.'

Some witnesses said they saw Privin throw his backpack to an intended landing spot before jumping a gap at the lookout area at the Grand Canyon (pictured in file photo)

Privin was supposed to start his job as a registered nurse at the Highland Park Hospital in Illinois on Monday

Privin completed his bachelor's degree in nursing in April and posted about his excitement on Facebook, saying he 'never wanted anything quite as much as I wanted to be a nurse'

His friend Kayla Huber said Privin 'never gave up' on his dream to become a nurse.

'Andrey had a genuine warmth about him,' she told the Daily Herald.

'You came away from spending time with him feeling rejuvenated, understood, and full, rather than depleted.'

'He was the type to pour you a glass of whiskey and have existentialist conversations until the wee hours of the morning.'

Privin had been working as a patient care technician at Highland Park Hospital while studying to become a nurse.

Privin had been working as a patient care technician at Highland Park Hospital while studying to become a nurse. A spokeswoman for the hospital said he was 'well-loved by his patients'

A spokeswoman for the hospital said he was 'well-loved by his patients and coworkers'.

'We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our dear colleague and friend Andrey Privin,' the statement read.

'He... enjoyed a reputation of always going above and beyond to make a significant impact on people's lives.'

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help Privin's family cover his funeral expenses.