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Stranded motorists located near Tusayan
Three individuals rescued safely after becoming lost 16 miles west of town

TUSAYAN, Ariz. - Coconino County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies and Search and Rescue located three stranded motorists 16 miles west of Tusayan, Ariz.

On Dec. 29 at approximately 5 p.m., the 911 Communications Center of the Flagstaff Police Department/CCSO received a call from three stranded motorists who had self-reported via cell phone. The motorists had been driving a small Toyota sedan on non-maintained Forest Service roads west of Tusayan, Ariz. when their vehicle became stuck in the mud and snow. They told the dispatcher they had been using their GPS tracking device to guide them to Supai when their vehicle became disabled due to poor road conditions.

The motorists originally gave emergency responders GPS coordinates that placed their vehicle on the North Rim of Grand Canyon near Jacob Lake. Page deputies were sent to locate them. Further investigation confirmed their location actually was on the South Rim of Grand Canyon on Forest Road 328H, approximately 16 miles northwest of Grand Canyon Airport. Contact with the group was maintained via cell phone text messaging.

The individuals were requested to remain with their vehicle and advised that Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue and CCSO deputies were en-route to locate and assist them to safety.

The individuals left their vehicle and began walking back toward Tusayan prior to the arrival of search personnel. After walking approximately three miles, they became cold and wet and decided to return to their vehicle. A CCSO deputy located all persons walking on a Forest Service road approximately 16 miles northwest of Tusayan. All three were in good condition and did not require medical attention. The three individuals were taken to Tusayan where they made arrangements for transportation to their final destination.

CCSO reminds all travelers to know the conditions of their travel routes and to be prepared for winter travel issues.


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