Missing Indian Student Found Dead In Grand Canyon

India-West News Desk

GRAND CANYON, AZ – Following a 10-day search, the National Park Service has confirmed the recovery of 26-year-old Sandarsh Krishna’s body. Park officials announced on May 12 that the Indian national and Arizona State University student, who had been missing for over 10 days, was found on May 9, below the South Rim near Verkamp’s Visitor Center. The Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed his identity, but officials said no cause of death has yet been determined.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Krishna’s death remains ongoing and involves both the National Park Service and county medical authorities.

Investigators said Krishna was last seen inside the park between the afternoon of April 27 and midnight on April 28. Authorities said his last known location was along the Rim Trail on Hermit Road between Bright Angel Lodge and Mohave Point.

Officials also focused on a backpack believed to belong to Krishna that was returned to hotel staff at Bright Angel Lodge around 7 a.m. on April 28. Authorities said they wanted to identify the person who returned the bag because investigators believed the individual could provide information about Krishna’s movements.

Park officials said Krishna did not have a vehicle inside the park and was believed to have arrived using a taxi or rideshare service.

In an interview with NBC affiliate KPNX before the body was recovered, Krishna’s brother, Adarsh Krishna, said the family was searching for answers and struggling to understand what happened.

“We don’t want to believe he’s hurt,” Adarsh Krishna told KPNX. “We need a proper closure. We don’t know what exactly happened to him.”

“He’s not the kind of kid who would hurt himself,” he added.