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Alcohol, pot played role in hiker's fatal fall at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Posted at 6:06 AM, Jul 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-26 08:06:50-04

MONTROSE, Colo.  -- An autopsy for a Colorado Springs man who died after falling 400 feet while hiking in Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park indicates significant alcohol and marijuana intoxication contributed to his death.

The Montrose Daily Press reports that the body of 23-year-old Ryan Wood Moss was recovered from the park on June 14, three days after he had been reported overdue. His manner of death has been ruled accidental.

Toxicology reports show Moss had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.211, indicating significant intoxication. THC, the active component of marijuana, was also found in his system in an amount that was about twice the legal limit.

The reports also showed the presence of medication in Moss' system. He had been found with four different prescriptions in his backpack.