An 83-year-old Utah man who went missing while hiking near the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park was rescued after an overnight search that involved helicopters, drones, search dogs and dozens of rescuers, officials said.
Gerald Guinn, of Kanab, Utah, was found July 22 after spending about a day and a half in rugged terrain. National Park Service officials said Guinn was located during a helicopter reconnaissance flight about 2.5 miles from where he was last seen and was safely carried to a nearby roadway for medical evaluation.
Despite spending the night outdoors, Guinn was described as being in "good spirits." He was evaluated by emergency medical personnel before being released, according to the National Park Service and the Kane County
Sheriff's Office.
Multiple agencies assisted in the rescue, including Grand Canyon National Park, Kane County Search and Rescue and Coconino County Search and Rescue.
Hiker disappeared after splitting up with companion
According to the Kane County Sheriff's Office, Guinn and another person began what was intended to be a short hike around 12:30 p.m. on July 21 in a remote area along the border of Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest.
The pair intentionally separated while searching for a nearby historic object. Although the other hiker found the site, Guinn never returned. After searching for several hours without success, the companion called for help.
Kane County Search and Rescue launched an overnight search, deploying ground crews, drones equipped with forward-looking infrared technology and search dogs, but Guinn was not found.
Cell phone ping helped guide rescuers
The National Park Service assumed command of the search on July 22, adding helicopter and ground search teams. Kane County rescuers later rejoined the effort.
Officials said a cell phone ping narrowed Guinn's general location, shifting search efforts farther east. A National Park Service helicopter eventually spotted Guinn, who was able to wave to the crew from below.
The helicopter could not land because of the steep terrain, prompting a Kane County Search and Rescue team to hike about 1.5 miles to reach him.
Rescuers carried Guinn to safety
Rescuers found Guinn cold and unable to walk but otherwise alert. They provided warm clothing and fluids while preparing for an aerial evacuation.
As darkness approached, officials determined a helicopter short haul could not be completed safely. Instead, a paramedic was lowered to the scene, and about 20 rescuers carried Guinn to safety, clearing fallen logs and marking hazards along the way.
The operation concluded around 1:30 a.m. on July 23. After reaching the roadway, Guinn was evaluated by Kane County Emergency Medical Services, cleared and released.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missing 83-year-old hiker rescued near Grand Canyon
