Remains found in Grand Canyon identified as hiker missing since 2012

Human remains found in the Grand Canyon late last year have been identified as those of a hiker who vanished more than 14 years ago, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said.

DNA testing confirmed that the remains belonged to William Ott, who disappeared during a hike in the Grand Canyon in May 2012, the agency announced in a news release.

Members of the Hualapai Tribe found the remains in December 2025 in the area where a large multi-agency search was conducted after Ott failed to return from his hike. That search involved the National Park Service, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and other agencies. They never located him.

The remains were turned over to the sheriff’s office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Arizona Department of Public Safety performed the DNA analysis that led to a positive identification.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the Hualapai Tribe for locating and recovering the remains.

Related

Avondale man receives 5-year sentence for distributing fentanylMatt Orlando wins Chandler Mayor’s race as challenger Jeff Weninger concedesSearch underway for 83-year-old man who went missing while hiking Grand Canyon’s North RimGov. Katie Hobbs and Andy Biggs must pick lieutenant governors ahead of Election DaySolange Whitehead takes early lead in Scottsdale City Council primaryElection stunner? Teri Ann Hourihan leading Hugh Lytle in No Labels Party governor race