Bodies Of Two Missing Men Recovered From Colorado River

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
Bodies Of Two Missing Men Recovered From Colorado River

The bodies of two young men – likely those of 16-year-old Saif Savaya and 22-year-old Joey Merrill, who disappeared while trying to swim across the Colorado on April 30th – were found in the river last Thursday. The first was found between Crystal Rapid and Camp Beach and secured by a private boating party; the second was recovered at Agate Rapid by Hatch River Expeditions, a commercial river operator. Both groups notified park dispatch via satellite phone. Rangers flew to their respective locations to retrieve the bodies. Following field investigations, they were taken to the medical examiner’s office in Flagstaff. Savaya, Merrill and 16-year-old Mark Merrill were with a group that was on a day hike from the South Rim to Phanton Ranch on April 30th when they decided to swim the cold and fast-moving waters of the Colorado. Mark Merrill’s body was found on May 1st. The National Park Service appreciates the efforts of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the commercial and private boating community, Grand Canyon hikers, and volunteers who provided assistance with search efforts. They would also like to thank Xanterra South Rim, LLC, Delaware North Park Services (Canyon Village Market Place), and local clergy for their support to the families of these three young men.