TikTok star gets punished for hitting a golf ball into the Grand Canyon
A brazen TikTokker has been punished after hitting a golf ball into the Grand Canyon.
The New York Times reported that Katie Sigmond, who has nearly seven million followers, was fined for the stunt after hitting a golf ball and hurling her club into the canyon on October 26.
The young woman captured a video of the act on a Snapchat story, which prompted Grand Canyon National Park to issue a statement.
They wrote: “Do we really need to say, ‘don’t hit golf balls into the Grand Canyon?’”
Apparently, the laws don’t apply to said influencer.
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Or so she thought...
According to the statement, members of the public helped identify the social media influencer, who was later contacted by law enforcement.
They added: “Throwing objects over the rim of the canyon is not only illegal but can also endanger hikers and wildlife who may be below.”
The video of Sigmond trying to live her best Happy Gilmore life became viral, with many condemning the 20-year-old for her reckless behaviour.
One person wrote on Reddit: “That's a fine. These people should be banned from the national park system too.”
Another said: “My husband and I say this all the time! Everyone gets the right to the national parks but if they are stupid, they get a ten year ban.”
A third commented: “So damn selfish, terrible main character energy. It’s their world and we’re living in it…”
While another shared: “Why the hell is she hitting a golf ball into the Grand Canyon???? Some people kids not respecting the beauty of one of my favourite places.”
Spokeswoman for Grand Canyon National Park’s Office of Public Affairs Joelle Baird told The New York Times that after people began to identify her, she admitted to park rangers it was indeed her in the video.
Baird revealed that Sigmond was charged with littering, tossing items into the Grand Canyon and creating hazardous conditions with disorderly conduct.
As a result, The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona fined the young woman.
While Baird admitted she didn’t exactly know how much the fine was, she noted that similar incidents had incurred a USD $280 (AUD $418 or £230) fine.
Maybe next time, rather than receiving a slap on the wrists, individuals should be made to retrieve the items they litter the canyon with.
LADbible reached out to Katie Sigmond for comment.
Charisa Bossinakis