The Colorado River near the Thunder River Trail (NPS Photo/M. Graden)
GRAND CANYON — On Tuesday, Aug. 27, at approximately 4 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a solo backpacker who had failed to check in with a family member while attempting the Thunder River Trail-Deer Creek loop.
On Aug. 28, at about 9:45 a.m., National Park Service (NPS) search and rescue personnel, responding via helicopter, located a deceased individual along a route connecting Lower Tapeats Camp and Deer Creek Camp.
The backpacker, a 60-year-old male from North Carolina, was on a solo multi-day backpacking trip from Thunder River to Deer Creek. An investigation into the incident is underway by the NPS in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
