Remains of Grand Canyon trekker found after 15 years

Human remains found in December 2025 were identified as William Anthony Ott, a hiker who disappeared in the Grand Canyon in April 2012.

Ott vanished during a three-week solo hike on the Hualapai Indian Reservation while searching for ancient rock art.

DNA testing by the Arizona Department of Public Safety in July 2026 confirmed the identity of the remains.

Ott's daypack was found with the remains, containing personal items that helped identify him.

Ott was an experienced hiker who had walked the length of the Grand Canyon in 1981 and was obsessed with prehistoric rock art.