Update on Investigation into Fatal RV Fire in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
Visitors Die In Motor Home Fire

Around 7:30 a.m. yesterday morning, an employee in the park's South Entrance Station called dispatch and reported a motor home with smoke issuing from the cab near the park sign just south of the entrance. When firefighters arrived, they found the RV fully engulfed in flames and extinguished the blaze. Further investigation revealed that the RV had been occupied and that people had died in the fire. At the time of the report yesterday evening, rangers were awaiting the arrival of the Coconino County medical examiner, who will be assisting them in determining the number of fatalities.

Update on Investigation into Fatal RV Fire in Grand Canyon National Park
Date: October 5, 2011
Contact: Shannan Marcak, 928-638-7958
Contact: Maureen Oltrogge, 928-638-7779

Grand Canyon, Ariz. -- On October 3, 2011, an RV located at the South Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park burned severely before firefighters were able to extinguish the flames. Subsequent investigation revealed the bodies of three persons inside of the recreation vehicle. The bodies appear to be those of an adult and two children.

An investigation into the identities and cause of death of the three is currently underway and is being conducted by the National Park Service with support from the Flagstaff Fire Department; Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation Evidence Response Team; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Preliminary investigation suggests the possibility of a murder-suicide and does not suggest the involvement of an unknown party. It is important to note that these findings are preliminary and that additional investigation is ongoing.

No identities will be made public until they have been confirmed and next of kin have been notified.

Final Update on Investigation into Fatal RV Fire in Grand Canyon National Park
Date: October 13, 2011
Contact: Shannan Marcak, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, Ariz. - The bodies of three people found inside of a recreational vehicle that burned at the South Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park have been identified as those of Anthony Dehaven and his two juvenile children.

Based on the evidence known to date, investigators believe Dehaven shot his two children before igniting a fire in the RV and then turning the gun on himself. It is important to note that investigators are continuing to examine all potential leads and that additional investigation is ongoing.

The investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service with support from the Flagstaff Fire Department; Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation Evidence Response Team; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.