The body of a US airman who went missing while hiking near the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Las Vegas was recovered last week after reportedly falling hundreds of feet.
Luke Saunders, 22, died of blunt force injuries in Red Rock on Thursday, the Clark County coroner confirmed to Fox News Digital on Monday. His manner of death was ruled an accident.
Saunders was a senior airman assigned to the 66th Rescue Generation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada.
Lt. Col. Bryon McGarry told FOX5 Las Vegas in a statement that Saunders’ remains were located after an extensive search.
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Luke Saunders, 22, was a senior airman assigned to the 66th Generation Rescue Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada. His body was recovered in Red Rock on Thursday, just days after he was reported missing while he was walking.
(Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
“Airman Saunders was a model aviator and consummate professional while assigned to Generation Rescue Squadron 66 and will be sorely missed,” the statement said, in part. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and teammates of Airman Saunders during this difficult time.”
Saunders was last seen around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday while hiking near the Spring Mountain area of Red Rock Canyon.
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The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced the search for the missing 22-year-old on Wednesday.
The colorful rock formations of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are seen on January 3, 2017 near Las Vegas, Nevada. Located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, this unique desert land—spanning nearly 200,000 acres and offering spectacular biking, hiking, and photo opportunities—is an easy side trip for millions of tourists each year.
(George Rose/Getty Images, File)
Saunders is believed to have slipped and fallen 250 feet while walking, KLAS-TV reported, citing sources. She called 911 for help sometime before rescuers found her body, according to the report.
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No further details were immediately available.
