Colorado authorities reported the discovery of a deceased individual at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park last week. This followed the discovery of an abandoned vehicle in proximity to the park.
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) identified the deceased as John N. Countryman, a 57-year-old resident of Denver. His body was found on the park’s Black Canyon floor, an area known for its steep 2,000-foot drop-offs and limited access to the inner canyon. This was stated in an official Facebook post.
Deputies were alerted to an abandoned vehicle near mile marker 10 along the South Rim of Black Canyon on October 27, around 5:30 p.m. They also found personal items near Devil’s Lookout, one of the park’s steepest vantage points.
A drone team from the sheriff’s office was deployed to conduct a search in the canyon for a potential missing person linked to the vehicle. However, their efforts were hampered by diminishing daylight, preventing the team from finding anyone before nightfall.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. the following morning, the drone team confirmed the presence of human remains on the canyon floor. Countryman’s body was subsequently recovered two days later and sent to the Montrose County Coroner’s Office. Investigations into the cause and manner of death are ongoing.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado is characterized by steep, narrow gorges shaped by the Gunnison River. Its dramatic drop-offs and rugged landscape pose significant challenges to search and rescue operations.