For those of you who haven't been following updates on the search for missing NAU student, 20-year-old Bryce Gillies, in Grand Canyon, I wanted to let you know that, sadly, his body was found this morning in the Bonita Creek drainage on the north side of the Canyon following yesterday's discovery of some personal items, including a backpack, nearby.
You can read the breaking news story from the Arizona Daily Sun here: Body of missing backpacker found
I'd been hoping there was some way this mission would have a happy ending, listening to radio traffic daily from the Grand Canyon for any hint of what was happening, but that happy ending wasn't to be. As someone said to me today when I told them the news, "We can love the Canyon, but the Canyon is indifferent."
These are my stories as a volunteer member of the Sheriff's Search and Rescue team in Coconino County, Arizona. I'll share what it's like to go from a beginner with a lot to learn to an experienced and, hopefully, valuable member of the team, as well as the missions, training, and other activities along the way.