Colorado authorities identified a 57-year-old Denver man whose body was found at the bottom of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Deputies began searching after discovering an abandoned vehicle and personal belongings near the South Rim. A sheriff’s office drone team located human remains on the canyon floor the following morning. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation.
| 1) | Abandoned vehicle prompts the initial response |
|---|---|
| 2) | Drone team searches the remote canyon |
| 3) | Human remains are located on the canyon floor |
| 4) | Recovery highlights difficult park terrain |
| 5) | Death investigation remains open |
Abandoned vehicle prompts the initial response
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were notified at about 5:30 p.m. on October 27 about an abandoned vehicle parked near mile marker 10 along the South Rim of Black Canyon. Personal belongings were also found near Devil’s Lookout, a steep viewing area in the park. Those discoveries raised concern that the vehicle could be connected to a missing person.
The man was later identified as John N. Countryman, 57, of Denver. Authorities did not provide additional information about when he arrived at the park or how long the vehicle had been left there. The sheriff’s office coordinated the response in an area where access beyond the rim can be difficult.
Drone team searches the remote canyon
A drone team from the sheriff’s office was called to search the canyon for a possible missing person associated with the vehicle and belongings. The operation took place along and below the South Rim, where the inner canyon is remote and difficult to reach from the surrounding trails and overlooks.
The first search was halted before anyone was located because daylight was fading. Authorities said diminishing daylight limited the team’s ability to continue safely. The search resumed at approximately 6:30 a.m. the following morning, allowing the drone operators to examine the canyon floor more effectively.
Human remains are located on the canyon floor
During the morning search, the drone team confirmed the presence of human remains on the floor of Black Canyon. The discovery established that the investigation involved a death rather than only an abandoned vehicle or missing-person report.
The remains were in a remote section beneath the rim. Authorities did not announce a suspected cause of the fall or death, and the circumstances leading to the man’s position in the canyon were not disclosed. The identification of Countryman was made by officials after the recovery process.
Recovery highlights difficult park terrain
Countryman’s body was recovered two days after the remains were located and transferred to the Montrose County Coroner’s Office. The recovery required personnel to work in Black Canyon, a sharply carved gorge in western Colorado formed by the Gunnison River.
Many trails and viewpoints in the park run alongside steep drop-offs, while the canyon walls descend roughly 2,000 feet in places. Access to the inner canyon is limited, and the narrow, rugged terrain can complicate search and rescue work. Those conditions help explain why aerial equipment was used to locate the remains before ground crews completed the recovery.
Death investigation remains open
The Montrose County Coroner’s Office is responsible for examining the remains, while the sheriff’s office continues investigating the circumstances of the death. Officials have not released a cause or manner of death.
The available timeline begins with the abandoned vehicle report on October 27, followed by an unsuccessful search before nightfall, the drone discovery the next morning and the recovery two days later. No further details about Countryman’s activities, injuries or the circumstances at Devil’s Lookout were provided.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | John N. Countryman, 57, of Denver, was identified as the deceased man. |
| 2 | Deputies found an abandoned vehicle near mile marker 10 on the South Rim. |
| 3 | A drone team located human remains the following morning. |
| 4 | The body was recovered two days later and sent to the county coroner. |
| 5 | The cause and manner of death have not been determined. |
Summary
Authorities found the body of a Denver man in the remote inner canyon of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park after an abandoned vehicle and belongings prompted a search. Drone operators located the remains after darkness ended the initial effort, and recovery teams later transferred the body to the county coroner. The investigation remains active, with no cause or manner of death announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was found dead in Black Canyon?
John N. Countryman, a 57-year-old man from Denver, was identified as the person whose body was found in the canyon.
How did authorities locate the remains?
A Montrose County Sheriff’s Office drone team searched the canyon after deputies found an abandoned vehicle and personal belongings. The team located human remains during a search the morning after the initial effort.
Where were the remains found?
The remains were found on the floor of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, below the South Rim and near the area of Devil’s Lookout.
What is known about the cause of death?
The cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances.
