Grand Canyon hiker rescued after cold night in remote forest area
Gerald Guinn, 83, was found alive after drones, dogs, a helicopter and about 20 rescuers joined the search near the Grand Canyon.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
An 83-year-old Grand Canyon hiker rescued after an overnight search was found alive in a remote area near the Kaibab National Forest, Arizona officials said Saturday.
The National Park Service identified the hiker as Gerald Guinn, of Utah. According to the Kane County Sheriff's Office, Guinn had been hiking with another person around 12:30 p.m. on July 21 near the edge of the Kaibab National Forest, inside Grand Canyon National Park.
The sheriff's office said the pair separated while looking for a nearby historic object. Guinn did not meet back up with the other hiker, who searched for several hours before calling for help.
How was the missing Grand Canyon hiker found?
Kane County Search and Rescue searched through the night with drones and search dogs, the sheriff's office said. Those efforts did not locate Guinn.
The next morning, Grand Canyon National Park Service teams took charge of the search, according to the sheriff's office. A helicopter and ground crews were added, and Kane County search and rescue members joined again that afternoon.
Early that afternoon, the National Park Service received a cell phone ping that gave searchers Guinn's general location, the sheriff's office said. The signal shifted the search area east.
An NPS helicopter then spotted Guinn. Officials said he was alert enough to wave at the pilot, a crucial sign for crews looking from the air.
The helicopter could not land because of the terrain, according to the sheriff's office. A Kane County search and rescue team was sent in to reach Guinn, check him and prepare him for the trip out.
Rescuers found Guinn in good spirits, cold and unable to walk, the sheriff's office said. The team gave him liquids and warm layers before moving him toward the road.
What happened after rescuers reached Gerald Guinn?
The trip out took a large ground effort. Kane County officials said about 20 people helped carry Guinn, clear downed logs and mark hazards along the route.
A paramedic also helped transport him back to the road, where Kane County emergency medical services were waiting. Guinn was evaluated, medically cleared and released, according to the sheriff's office.
The operation ended at 1:30 a.m., about a day and a half after Guinn first began the hike, officials said.
The National Park Service also shared a photo of Guinn and confirmed his identity in a public update. Kane County officials described the area where he disappeared as remote.
The search brought together county rescuers, park personnel, aircraft, drones, dogs and medical responders. Officials did not report any other injuries.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.