The National Park Service has confirmed that a missing New Mexico man, Thomas Robison, 58, of Santa Fe, has been found dead inside Grand Canyon National Park. Robison was discovered by park rangers in the Colorado River on Friday. His body is currently being examined by the Coconino County Medical Examiner as the NPS continues to investigate the incident.
Robison's disappearance was initially noted when his 2001 Toyota Tacoma was found abandoned at Lee’s Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is believed that he may have attempted to travel down the Colorado River with his Welsh Corgi dog on a self-made raft.
The cause of Robison's death remains unclear at this time. This tragic incident follows a series of other fatalities at the Grand Canyon National Park in recent years. In November 2023, a hiker identified as James Handschy of Oracle, Arizona, died while hiking the Bright Angel Trail. Handschy had embarked on an 18-mile roundtrip hike from the South Rim to the river and back.
In a separate incident in September 2023, another hiker, Ranjith Varma, 55, of Manassas, Virginia, passed away while attempting to hike from the South to North Rim in one day. Varma became unresponsive along the North Kaibab Trail, prompting a search and rescue operation by park rangers.
These unfortunate events serve as reminders of the challenges and risks associated with exploring the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors are urged to prioritize safety, adhere to park regulations, and be prepared for the unpredictable conditions of the wilderness.
