You are here

Home » Search Under Way for Missing Hiker in Grand Canyon National Park

Search Under Way for Missing Hiker in Grand Canyon National Park

Share

Published Date

September 6, 2009

Grand Canyon rangers were searching Sunday for a North Carolina man thought to be missing in the park's backcountry. Photo courtesy of Andrew Brunelli's family.

A search was under way Sunday for a 43-year-old North Carolina man thought to be missing in the Grand Canyon National Park.

Rangers, acting on a lead from the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, on Saturday found a blue Hyundai Accent rental car that had been rented to Andrew Brunelli parked in the Grandview Point parking are 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. That is the jumping off point for hikers setting off down the Grandview Trail.

Aerial searches of the primary trails, routes and drainages in the area were begun Saturday after the man's car was found, and three ground search teams were inserted into the area to begin searching the primary trails. On Sunday aerial search efforts continued and additional ground search teams were be added as they became available.

The sheriff's office had received a missing person's report about Mr. Brunelli on Friday, and their initial investigation indicated that the man had headed off to the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, no specific itinerary for Mr. Brunelli’s visit to the park is known at this time, park officials said. As a result, park investigators are seeking the assistance of anyone who has visited the Grand Canyon within the last week and might have seen Mr. Brunelli.

Andrew Brunelli is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with short medium-brown hair and grey-blue eyes. He may or may not be unshaven at this time. Mr. Brunelli’s last known
location was the Grand Canyon Inn in Valle, Arizona, where he was last seen by hotel staff on August 30.

If you believe that you have seen Andrew Brunelli since August 30, please, contact the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center at 928-638-7805.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

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.

Comments

Submitted by admin on September 6, 2009 - 11:28pm.

I want to thank all of the rescue units that are searching for my brother. We hurt so badly. We feel helpless. We appreciate all every one is doing to try and bring him home safely. If anyone has seen him hiking at all, please call the rangers. Thank you. We pray to God he will be found alive.

Lisa Knick, Andrew's sister


Submitted by admin on September 7, 2009 - 7:32pm.

All of us hope that your brother will be found safely. I've put out the word on the travel sites I know about - any information at all will help.

Somebody has to have seen him on Grandview Trail or near Hance Creek.


Submitted by admin on September 7, 2009 - 8:10pm.

I am the Uncle of the missing hiker, Andrew Brunelli. Thank you for all the coverage.

Just browsed thru the Missteps pages on your Website, I am an avid outdoorsman but still had no idea the # of folks that get into trouble in the Nat. Park system.

Geo


Submitted by admin on September 7, 2009 - 8:29pm.

Lisa,
Several of us that were at East Rowan with Andrew are praying and checking for updates. I so wish that Andrew, you and your parents weren't going through this, we are all sending positive thoughts your way.


Submitted by admin on September 8, 2009 - 8:05am.

Thank you, Michele, and all of the East Rowan High School friends. It is comforting to know so many people are praying for us.

Lisa


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.