Rangers Search for Missing Man at Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) search and rescue personnel are currently searching for a man last seen outside of the park’s Backcountry Information Center on Saturday, May 23, 2009.

On May 26, park personnel received a report that Robert A. Williams of Surprise, Arizona, was overdue from a trip to GRCA. An investigation into whether Mr. Williams was still in the park was immediately begun by park investigators. On the afternoon of May 27, park rangers found Mr. Williams car parked behind the Verkamp’s Visitor Center on the South Rim, indicating that he might still be in the park.

Missing person posters have been developed and distributed around the area and park rangers and search and rescue personnel are currently searching the Hermit, Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails all of which can be easily reached from Grand Canyon Village either on foot or via park shuttle. In addition, investigators are asking for the assistance of anyone who hiked in the park over the Memorial Day weekend and might have seen Mr. Williams.

Williams is described as a white male, 69 years of age. He is 5’5” tall, weighs approximately 165 pounds and has grey hair and brown eyes. He was last seen carrying a dark green Gregory backpack. If you believe you have seen Mr. Williams in the last five days, please, contact the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center at 928-638-7805.

-NPS-