Remains found in Grand Canyon likely those of man missing since June

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — On Dec. 20, a private Colorado river trip participating in a day hike up the Monument Creek drainage discovered human remains.

Investigating rangers located evidence at the scene indicating the remains are likely those of 72-year- old Raafat “Ralph” Nasser-Eddin of Los Angeles, California.

Nasser-Eddin was reported missing June 13 and was last seen near Hermit Camp on the Hermit Trail Sunday morning, June 11. A multi-day search effort in the extreme heat of summer for Nasser-Eddin did not produce any clues to his whereabouts.

The remains were located about 2.5 miles from Nasser-Eddin’s last known location near Hermit Camp in an off-trail area of the Tonto Plateau.

Grand Canyon National Park is working with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm the identity of the remains.