The Grand Canyon is a national treasure. That's why so many hikers and tourists visit its stunningly deep and colorful walls every year. But most of those hikers and tourists know not to throw golf clubs into the Canyon. Unfortunately, one TikToker with seven million followers is not among them.
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TikToker Charged With Crime After Golfing In The Grand Canyon
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Katie Sigmond Drew Swift Public Outrage
Though most Americans are tolerant of TikTokers and their quests for fame, they seem to have different criteria when it comes to TikTokers who mess with natural wonders. Shortly after TikToker Katie Sigmond posted a video of her golfing into the canyon and throwing her golf club after it, commenters chastised her and alerted the Grand Canyon National Park Service. It didn't take long for the Park Service to publish a social media post of their own.
'Do We Really Need To Say 'Don't Hit Golf Balls Into The Grand Canyon'?'
Soon after TikTok users identified Sigmond and sent her video to the Grand Canyon National Park Service, the organization shared the TikToker's photo on Instagram and crafted a cautionary statement.
"Do we really need to say, ‘don’t hit golf balls into the Grand Canyon?’" the Park Service wrote. They then went on to add, "On October 27, Grand Canyon Law Enforcement identified, located and contacted the individual responsible for the incident. Charges and a court appearance for the individual are pending. Throwing objects over the rim of the canyon is not only illegal but can also endanger hikers and wildlife who may be below."
A Pervasive Problem
Unfortunately, but perhaps not surprisingly, this wasn't the first time that a person has launched a golf ball into the famed Grand Canyon. With just a quick glance at TikTok, one can find at least two more immediate examples of influencers (or wannabe influencers) hitting balls into the canyon's depths. The videos go back as far as 2020. And just like with Sigmond, there are commenters on those posts who have tagged authorities and ensured that the videos go to appropriate channels.
Help Them Help You
As for Sigmond, she has not commented on her public infamy, but her court date will no doubt give her a chance to speak about her actions. In the meantime, the Grand Canyon Park Service encourages nature lovers to assist in sniffing out miscreants.
"Information from visitors is often very helpful to investigators," they wrote in their Instagram post. "If you have information that could help in promoting public safety and preventing crime at Grand Canyon, please contact us by calling or texting the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009, submitting an online form at www.nps.gov/ISB, or emailing nps_isb@nps.gov."
