Denver Hiker Found Dead on Black Canyon Floor

Deputies were alerted at about 5:30 p.m. on October 27 to an abandoned vehicle near mile marker 10 along the park’s southern rim. Personal effects were also located near Devil’s Lookout, a steep viewing point in the park.

The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office sent its drone team to look through the canyon for someone who might be missing in connection with the vehicle. The team did not locate anyone before darkness fell, with daylight diminishing.

At about 6:30 a.m. the next morning, the drone team confirmed human remains on the canyon floor. Officials determined the deceased was John N. Countryman, 57, of Denver.

Countryman’s body was recovered two days after it was found and transferred to the Montrose County Coroner’s Office. Investigators have yet to determine the cause or manner of death.

Black Canyon is a deep, narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River. Trails in the park run near drop-offs reaching 2,000 feet, and reaching the inner canyon is restricted, making search and rescue work challenging.