Body of missing Louisiana woman found at Grand Canyon
The woman had been reported missing almost four months ago.
The body of a woman who had been reported missing almost four months ago was found Saturday in the Grand Canyon near Pima Point, officials said.
Diana Zacarias, 22, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, was reported missing by her family on April 3. She had traveled to the South Rim via the Arizona Shuttle and was dropped off at Maswick Lodge on the west side of Grand Canyon Village, according to a news release from the Grand Canyon National Park.
Park officials said they believed Zacarias had visited Yaki Point and Lookout Studio during her visit. She was last seen at the South Rim.
The National Park Service conducted a multiday rescue effort in April, but Zacarias’ body wasn’t found until Saturday, when rangers were undergoing regular training, the release read.
Zacarias appeared to have posted a photo of herself at the Grand Canyon on April 1, providing a tip to investigators as to her whereabouts.
“The hope was that we would find her alive,” said Kirby-Lyn Shedlowski, Grand Canyon National Park spokeswoman.
Her remains were sent to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office for an official identification and autopsy to determine the cause of death, Shedlowski said.
She said the Grand Canyon sees about 12 to 15 deaths per year, most from heat or other medical issues.
Shedlowski said the medical examiner and investigators from the National Park Service would be working with the family on the case.