News Release

Missing Person Recovered below the Rim near South Kaibab Trailhead in Grand Canyon National Park

A rescuer during recovery operations on 3/3/21

NPS Photo/S. Shoemaker

News Release Date: March 4, 2021

Contact: Joelle Baird, 928-606-3154

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – On Wednesday, March 3, National Park Service personnel located a body and motorcycle below the South Kaibab Trailhead after a multi-day search and rescue operation. 

Park rangers recovered the body which was located approximately 465 ft. below the rim. The body was transported to the rim by helicopter and transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. Based on evidence found with the body, the individual is believed to be missing person John Pennington.   

John Pennington, 40, of Walton, Kentucky, was believed to have entered Grand Canyon on or around February 23, 2021 and abandoned his personal vehicle near Yaki Point. An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner.  

No additional information is available at this time.

-NPS-