Solo backpacker, 60, found dead near rugged and remote Grand Canyon trail

The North Carolina resident, who was on a multi-day trip, was located by helicopter after reports of a missing hiker

A solo backpacker has been found dead near a rugged and remote trail along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon national park, authorities in Arizona said Thursday.

The National Park Service said the 60-year-old North Carolina resident was located by helicopter Wednesday along a route connecting Lower Tapeats and Deer Creek camps. The two sites are accessible from the north rim on a river bend about 29 miles (46.6km) north-west of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.