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ZION NATIONAL PARK — A fall from a popular technical route in Zion National Park killed a climber Wednesday, officials said.

Two other people climbing in the area saw a man they did not know fall from Moonlight Buttress, a 1,200 foot technical route on the west side of Zion Canyon, and called park rangers at about 12:30 p.m., according to Zion National Park.

"(It's) a very sad situation," park superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said in a statement. "Our condolences go out to the individual's friends and family."

The body of the climber was found at the base of the route. The climber has not yet been identified by investigators, pending family notification. Officials did say the man is from outside of Utah.

Park officials said an investigation into the cause of the fall is still ongoing.

Contributing: Ben Lockhart

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