GRAND CANYON VILLAGE (Diya TV) — The National Park Service has recovered the body of 26-year-old Indian-origin visitor Sandarsh Krishna, who went missing at Grand Canyon National Park nearly two weeks ago after disappearing from a trail along the South Rim.
Park officials announced Monday that search teams found Krishna’s body below the rim near Verkamp’s Visitor Center on May 9. Authorities later identified the body and transferred it to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.
Krishna disappeared on April 28 while visiting the national park. His disappearance triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation involving more than 30 personnel from the National Park Service.
According to the National Park Service, Krishna went missing from the Rim Trail on Hermit Road between Bright Angel Lodge and Mohave Point on the South Rim of the canyon.
Officials said an abandoned black backpack believed to belong to Krishna was found near Bright Angel Lodge around 7 a.m. on April 28. An unidentified person reportedly turned the backpack over to lodge staff, prompting investigators to search the surrounding area for clues.
Search teams then launched an extensive rescue mission across difficult terrain inside the canyon. Crews used several methods to locate Krishna, including trail scanning, technical rope operations, drone searches, and aerial reconnaissance flights.
Officials also searched routes both above and below the South Rim. Rangers focused on steep and remote sections of the canyon that often present challenges for rescue teams. The National Park Service said searchers worked continuously over several days before locating Krishna’s body on May 9.
In an official statement, the National Park Service confirmed the recovery and identification of Krishna.“The individual was transported to the rim and transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office,” the statement said. “The individual was identified as Sandarsh Krishna, 26, who had been reported missing on April 28, 2026.”
Authorities have not released details about the cause of death. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. The National Park Service and the medical examiner’s office continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Grand Canyon National Park remains one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Millions of tourists travel to the canyon every year to hike, sightsee, and explore its trails. Park officials regularly warn visitors about the dangers of extreme heat, cliffs, and rugged terrain. Rangers urge hikers to stay on marked paths, carry enough water, and avoid risky areas near the canyon rim.
Accidents and medical emergencies occur at the park each year, especially during busy travel seasons. Search and rescue crews often respond to reports involving missing hikers, falls, and heat-related illnesses.
The South Rim, where Krishna disappeared, attracts the largest number of visitors because of its scenic overlooks and accessible walking trails. Areas near Hermit Road and Mohave Point offer panoramic canyon views but also include steep drop-offs and rugged sections.
News of Krishna’s death has drawn condolences from members of the Indian community and social media users who followed the search efforts over the past two weeks. Many expressed sadness over the tragedy and praised the work of search and rescue teams that participated in the operation. The case also renewed discussions about visitor safety at national parks and the risks associated with hiking near canyon edges.
Officials have not said whether additional details about the investigation will be released in the coming days. For now, authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding Krishna’s disappearance and death as family members and friends mourn the loss of the young visitor.
