Hiker Remains Missing in Western Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, Ariz.* – Floyd E. Roberts III of Treasure Island, FL, remains missing in a remote area of western Grand Canyon. Responding rescue teams and resources to date include ground teams from Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Mohave County, Coconino County Search and Rescue, and aerial support from Mesa Verde Helitack Crew and aircraft. The search area covers over 10 square miles and is in an extremely remote, rugged area of the canyon. Transportation to the area

takes several hours and has made rescue operations and communication a challenge.

Roberts is described as a 52 year old male, 170 lbs, 5’11” tall, brown/grey hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a red long-sleeved shirt, blue denim jeans, multi-colored mesh Nike Free sneakers, large blue Lowe Alpine Contour backpack, and white-rimmed sunglasses with orange lenses.

Floyd Roberts became separated from companions during extreme heat conditions on June 17, 2016 at approximately 4:45 pm. The group planned a 9 day hike on the Shivwits Plateau that would exit the canyon via Separation Canyon. He was last seen near Kelly Tank heading towards Trail Canyon/214 Mile Canyon (Shanley Spring area) towards the river, but may have descended into 209 Mile Canyon.

Following an intensive 6 day search effort the incident remains unresolved. With no additional clues to guide search efforts, the search will be scaled back to a continuous, but limited mode in which rangers and pilots will continue to search for clues when in the area. In addition, flyers with Robert's picture and description remain posted at various South Rim locations and in the search area at Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.

The National Park Service conducted a search and rescue operation. A missing persons investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Any individual with information about Floyd

Roberts should call the National Park Service Dispatch line at 928-638-7805.