Chalk this up as what not to do while visiting the Grand Canyon.
A viral stunt landed a TikToker in some trouble after Katie Sigmond posted a video of her hitting a golf ball into the Grand Canyon. The video shows the 19 year old also throwing a golf club into the canyon near Mather Point.
Sigmond who known for sharing videos of her impressive golf swings, and pranks on TikTok such as bowling with a pumpkin and throwing a fake cinder block at cars. But one of the social media star’s recent exploits got her in trouble.
According to the park, the video was posted to Sigmond’s account on Oct. 26. In the video, she stands at the edge of the national landmark’s rocks and swings at her ball. Her club breaks in two, with parts of it flying into the canyon. She spins to face the camera, her mouth wide open. “How did that happen,” reads text on the clip, along with a crying-face emoji.
Sigmond has deleted the clip, however a screen shot of the stunt that was posted to her account.
The TikTok influencer, who has 6.9 million followers on the social media platform, has gotten the attention of the Grand Canyon National Park officials.
They posted the following statement on their Facebook page, “Do we really need to say, ‘Don’t hit golf balls into the Grand Canyon?’” the National Park Service said on the Grand Canyon’s Facebook page. “Throwing objects over the rim of the canyon is not only illegal but can also endanger hikers and wildlife who may be below.”
Sigmond received three federal violation notices, tickets issued by law enforcement departments for U.S. agencies such as the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. She has been charged with three Class B misdemeanors. The three charges were for tossing items into the Grand Canyon, littering and creating hazardous conditions with disorderly conduct. In addition, she was also cited for disorderly conduct for tossing or throwing items into the canyon.
Sigmond initially faced an appearance at the U.S. District Court in Flagstaff, however her case was resolved through a collateral forfeiture agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona.
The Grand Canyon National Park encourages those who have details on any illegal or suspicious activity at the park to call or text the ISB at 888-653-0009. You can also submit an online form here or send an email to [email protected].
