Body recovered from below South Rim late last year identified

Date: December 12, 2013
Contact: Maureen Oltrogge, 928-638-7779

Yoshikazu Yamada

Passport Photo

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – The body of a man recovered from below the rim of Grand Canyon National Park late last year has been identified as that of Yoshikazu Yamada, a Japanese National.  

Mr. Yamada had been reported missing on October 6, 2012. He was last seen getting off of a commercial tour bus near Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim of Grand Canyon. He had been traveling with a companion and failed to return to the bus that afternoon.  

An investigation and intensive search was conducted by park rangers following a report of the missing man. His body was spotted by Grand Canyon National Park's helicopter pilot during a routine mission on December 8, 2012. His body was located approximately 800 feet below the Abyss Overlook on Hermit Road (also known as the West Rim Drive).

Recent DNA tests led to the positive identity of Mr. Yamada. An investigation into the death of Mr. Yamada is being conducted by the National Park Service. There are no further details at this time. 

-NPS-