News Release

21-08, Park Recovers Human Remains at Grass Shack

Date: October 1, 2021
Contact: Andy L. Fisher, 520 733 5139

Tucson, AZ – Saguaro National Park was assisted by Pima County Sherriff’s Office and Arizona Department of Public Safety in recovering the remains of a 19 year old woman from Washington state found near the Grass Shack Campground on the afternoon of September 29.

Grass Shack is located on the south side of the Rincon Mountains and is considered a wilderness campsite, requiring backpacking approximately 10 miles uphill to access the area. 

“At this point in the investigation the death appears to be an accident,” according to Chief Ranger Kelsey Cassidy, “however there is additional work that needs to be done to understand what happened leading to this tragic result”.

The identity of the woman is withheld, pending family notification.

Grass Shack Campground remains closed as the investigation continues. Hikers with reservations in the area can delay or modify their camping permit at Recreation.gov.

Chief Cassidy added, “The park would like to express our sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased and thank the cooperating agencies for their assistance in recovery efforts.”

For additional information about Saguaro National Park and Grass Shack Campground, please visit nps.gov/sagu or Recreation.gov.