An 83-year-old Utah hiker has been located and rescued on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park after being reported missing earlier this week. Gerald Guinn of Kanab was spotted by a helicopter reconnaissance flight on July 22, approximately 2.5 miles from the location where he was last seen.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The search for Guinn began on July 21 after the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report at approximately 5 p.m. stating a hiker had become separated from his partner. The pair was hiking in a remote area of the North Rim near the park's northeast boundary along Forest Service Road 610, also known as Dog Saddle.
According to the National Park Service, Guinn was described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with gray hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was last seen wearing a tan long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and a ball cap. He was not carrying any camping equipment or hiking gear.
Rescue and Medical Evaluation
Following the discovery of Guinn at approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 22, rescue personnel used a litter carry to safely extricate him to a nearby roadway. Once at the road, he was evaluated by emergency medical personnel before being transported for further care.
The National Park Service credited Coconino County Search and Rescue and Kane County Search and Rescue for their partnership and support throughout the rescue operation.
Park Safety Context
The search operation involved a coordinated effort between National Park Service personnel and partner agencies. During the search, authorities utilized ground searches as well as aerial searches involving helicopters and drones.
While the search for Guinn has concluded successfully, the National Park Service continues to manage various safety and environmental issues within the park, including recent fire restriction updates on the South Rim and monitoring of wildfires such as the lightning-caused Cliff Spring Fire.
Information and Resources
The National Park Service maintains a tip line for individuals with information regarding incidents within the park. Residents and visitors interested in Kane County search and rescue operations can find information through the Kane County Sheriff's office.
