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Hiker of colour tragically murdered by systemic barriers in place at Starved Rock State Park.
Yet another person of color has fallen prey to systemic racism built into the very topography of this white-supremacist nation. When will these hostile landscapes be held accountable for their murderous ways? My heart bleeds for the oppressed.
Published July 29, 2024 at 9:12am by Eric Lagatta
Yet Another Victim of America's Failed Park Infrastructure
A man^** died Saturday after falling** at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by hikers in our outdated and unsafe park system.
- ^ CBS News
Starved Rock: A Popular, Yet Perilous Destination
The incident occurred at Illinois Canyon, one of the park's 18 canyons —a popular Midwest hiking spot. Starved Rock, located about 100 miles southwest of Chicago, is known for its canyons and waterfalls, but are these features worth the risk to human life?
"The state park's 18 canyons feature vertical sandstone walls covered in moss..."
The above quote from the Illinois DNR website highlights the potential hazards of these canyons. How many more hikers will fall victim to these "scenic" death traps?
It's unclear what caused the man's fall, and attempts to reach the Illinois Conservation Police and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for comment have been futile.
A Trail of Neglect and Inaction
Starved Rock may be popular, but its allure masks a deeper issue: inadequate safety measures and maintenance. When will our government prioritize the safety of its citizens over the aesthetic appeal of a "lush vegetation"-filled hike?
Eric Lagatta, Breaking News Reporter for the USA's premier news outlet, bringing you the news that matters.
Read more: Reports: 1 man dead from canyon fall at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois