Teen Falls to His Death While Taking Photos at Popular Canyon Overlook in Utah

Authorities said Jonathan Fielding was near Moonscape Overlook on Saturday when the 19-year-old fell over the ledge, per local reports

• A 19-year-old man has died after falling over a ledge at Moonscape Overlook on Saturday while taking photos during a hike with friends

• Jonathan Fielding had recently moved to Orem, Utah from Blue Springs, Missouri, according to his obituary

• A funeral for the beloved young man is scheduled for Saturday in his home state of Missouri

A young man fell to his death in Utah on Saturday after slipping while taking photos on a hike with friends at a popular overlook.

Authorities said Jonathan Fielding and his two friends were near Moonscape Overlook by Hanksville on Saturday when the 19-year-old got too close to a ledge and fell, according to NBC affiliate KSL-TV and ABC affiliate KTVX.

Jonathan had stopped to take photographs shortly before he fell, they added, per CBS affiliate KUTV and FOX affiliate KSTU.

Deputies believe Jonathan was attempting to get a better shot of the popular canyon, KUTV reported. His death has been ruled accidental.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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Rebecca Fielding, Jonathan's sister, said that he fell approximately 300 feet and died on impact, according to KTVX. She also noted that her brother “was the most genuine, kind and loving person you’d ever meet.”

“Jonathan was the greatest guy I knew, I’ve said that a million times and I’ll say it a million more,” Rebecca told the station. “He left a Grand Canyon-sized impact on the world and that will never be forgotten.”

Jonathan, who had recently moved to Orem, Utah from Blue Springs, Missouri, died “doing what he loved most, capturing the beauty of the outdoors,” according to his obituary.

“His passion for photography and love for nature were defining traits of his life,” the obituary states.

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Family friend Connor Parry, who was also one of Jonathan’s youth pastors, told KUTV that the young man was a “special kid” who had a knack for making people “feel important” in conversation.

“Jonathan is one of those kids who you'd walk away from and you're still smiling,” Parry explained. “He's a very genuine individual who is very interested in what's going on in your life.”

As of Thursday afternoon, more than $26,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign to support Jonathan’s family in the wake of the tragedy.

“Jonathan is loved by many and was a great example of selfless love,” wrote Parry, who organized the online fundraiser.

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Now, family members hope Jonathan’s story will be a cautionary tale for others hiking and taking photos in precarious areas.

“I want people to be aware of the dangers of hiking,” Jonathan’s sister Rebecca said, per KTVX. “I don’t think a lot of people realize just how dangerous those areas are, it is just so easy to just slip and fall.”

A viewing was held Tuesday night in Pleasant Grove, Utah followed by a small service, according to the GoFundMe. A second viewing will be held Friday at the Independence Stake Center in Independence, Missouri.

Jonathan’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Saturday morning.

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