Body found within Grand Canyon believed to be missing Moab tour guide

Joshua Tourjee, photo location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Celebrating Josh Tourjee Facebook page, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — The National Park Service located a body along the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park believed to be that of a missing tour guide from Moab.

Park Service personnel located the body Tuesday at River Mile 139 (Fishtail), according to a statement issued by the National Park Service.

Joshua Tourjee, photo location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Celebrating Josh Tourjee Facebook page, St. George News
Joshua Tourjee, photo location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Celebrating Josh Tourjee Facebook page, St. George News

Based on evidence found with the body, officials said the body is believed to be that of missing 34-year-old river guide Joshua Tourjee.

Park rangers responded to the area and recovered the body Wednesday, according to the National Park Service. The body was transported to the rim by helicopter and then transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office in Arizona.

The Coconino County medical examiner will confirm positive identification, officials said.

Tourjee was reported missing by his river trip on Sept. 12 when he failed to return to camp after visiting a neighboring river camp, park officials said. Tourjee was working as a guide for OARS.

Following his disappearance, the National Park Service conducted a multiday Search and Rescue operation by air, water and foot.

An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner.

A Facebook page entitled Celebrating Josh Tourjee was created by friends in honor and remembrance of the tour guide.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

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