Missing Grand Canyon Hiker, 83, Found Safe After Dedicated Overnight Rescue
A challenging search at Grand Canyon National Park ended with welcome news when rescuers found 83-year-old Gerald Guinn alive in a remote area near the park’s North Rim.
Guinn, an experienced outdoorsman from Kanab, Utah, was located at approximately 6:30 p.m. Tuesday by a National Park Service helicopter. He was about 2.5 miles from the place where he had last been seen, according to the National Park Service and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.
The outing began around 12:30 p.m. Monday, when Guinn and a hiking companion agreed to separate briefly while looking for a historic object near the park’s northeastern boundary. His companion found the object, but Guinn did not arrive at their planned meeting point. After searching for several hours, the other hiker contacted authorities for assistance.
Multiple agencies quickly joined forces. Crews from Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino County Search and Rescue, and Kane County Search and Rescue worked throughout the night. Teams crossed burned forest on foot while drones, search dogs and helicopters helped examine the vast, isolated landscape.
A signal from Guinn’s cellphone helped investigators focus their efforts Tuesday. Later that day, a National Park Service helicopter crew spotted him in steep terrain. Guinn saw the aircraft and waved, confirming that rescuers had found the missing hiker alive.
Because the rugged landscape prevented the helicopter from landing, a Kane County Search and Rescue team hiked roughly 1.5 miles to reach him. Although Guinn was cold and unable to walk, deputies said he remained in good spirits. The rescuers provided water and warm clothing as they prepared a safe route out.
As night approached, an air rescue was no longer possible. A paramedic was flown to the scene, and approximately 20 rescuers began the demanding trip back on foot. Working together, they took turns carrying Guinn on a rescue stretcher, removing fallen trees and identifying hazards along the route.
The team reached a nearby road at about 1:30 a.m., roughly a day and a half after Guinn had begun his hike. Emergency medical personnel examined him, and he was later released.
The National Park Service expressed appreciation to Coconino County Search and Rescue and Kane County Search and Rescue. Thanks to careful coordination, determination and teamwork, a difficult search in unforgiving terrain reached a joyful conclusion.
