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Update on Investigation into Fatal RV Fire in Grand Canyon National Park

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Date: October 5, 2011
Contact: Shannan Marcak, 928-638-7958
Contact: Maureen Oltrogge, 928-638-7779

Grand Canyon, Ariz. -- On October 3, 2011, an RV located at the South Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park burned severely before firefighters were able to extinguish the flames.  Subsequent investigation revealed the bodies of three persons inside of the recreation vehicle. The bodies appear to be those of an adult and two children.

An investigation into the identities and cause of death of the three is currently underway and is being conducted by the National Park Service with support from the Flagstaff Fire Department; Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation Evidence Response Team; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Preliminary investigation suggests the possibility of a murder-suicide and does not suggest the involvement of an unknown party.  It is important to note that these findings are preliminary and that additional investigation is ongoing.

No identities will be made public until they have been confirmed and next of kin have been notified.   

-NPS-

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