Body thought to be that of missing North Carolina man found in Grand Canyon.
A body believed to be that of a missing North Carolina man was retrieved from Grand Canyon National Park on Wednesday.
The body, thought to be that of 43-year-old Andrew Brunelli, of Clayton, North Carolina, was found outside of the area that rangers had been searching since the man was reported missing on Saturday, according to park officials. The search had been focused on the Grandview-Hance area below the South Rim, as Mr. Brunelli's rental car had been found at the Grandview parking lot. However, a co-worker who believed Mr. Brunelli’s plans might have been a great deal more extensive than his past history in the park -- one that revolved around short to medium day hikes -- had indicated led rangers to enlarge the search area Wednesday, a park release noted.
By Wednesday morning all of the high-probability areas within the initial search zone had been covered and in many cases re-searched by ground crews, dog teams and technical ropes/canyoneering teams. As a result, ground search crews had begun to scale back operations in the area. With fewer ground search personnel to support, the park’s helicopter was able to engage in aerial search operations beyond the original search zone.
Shortly before 11 a.m. the body was spotted from the air in a drainage north of the Tonto Trail and approximately two miles east of the South Kaibab Trail in the vicinity of Pattie Butte, park officials said, adding that the body was retrieved by helicopter via long-line operation (extended from a fixed line below the helicopter) and taken to the South Rim where it was transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner. There were no immediate details indicating how the man had died.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
I just heard that this is definitly the missing man.
Condolences to the family.
Ranger Holly
http://web.me.com/hollyberry
I am just devastated.. My condolences and prayers are with his family in their time of sorrow.
I'm truly devastated that this was the final outcome. I know Andrew is home with the Father now. He is now where we strive to be. God Bless him and the family. My prayer is that the Brunelli family has peace in knowing that Andrew is at rest.
from clayton north carolina AJ SADLY MISSED YOUR FRIEND JERRY.
So glad Andrew was finally found by extending the search. I came across his story on youtube Top Mysteries. My thoughts go to his family who must be devastated. So young at 43 too. Nowhere states what happened to Andrew though and I do hope he didnt suffer. Appreciate all that search a d rescue do. Amazing.