ASU Student Sandarsh Krishna, 26, Found Dead at Grand Canyon South Rim After Nearly Two-Week Search
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Tragic End: Body of Missing ASU Student Sandarsh Krishna Recovered at Grand Canyon South Rim | 17GEN4 News
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (17GEN4 News) — The body of Sandarsh Krishna, a 26-year-old Arizona State University master's student in computer science who vanished during a solo trip to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, was recovered by National Park Service personnel on May 9, 2026, below the rim near Verkamp's Visitor Center. The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office positively identified him on May 12, bringing a tragic end to a high-profile missing-person case that drew national attention just days before his scheduled graduation.
Krishna, who had moved from India to Arizona in 2024 to pursue his degree at ASU's Tempe campus, was last heard from by his family on April 27. He had told relatives he was making a last-minute stop at the Grand Canyon en route to Las Vegas before returning home for finals and a job interview. Family members confirmed he was staying at Bright Angel Lodge and was last in his room around 11 p.m. on April 27. He disappeared shortly afterward, around 11:30 p.m.
Park officials received the missing-person report on April 28. Krishna's last known possible location was along the popular Rim Trail on Hermit Road, between Bright Angel Lodge and Mohave Point, sometime between 4 p.m. on April 27 and midnight on April 28. He was described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a thin build, approximately 160 pounds, black hair, and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing athletic clothing. No vehicle was associated with him; he may have used rideshare or taxi services.
A black backpack believed to belong to Krishna — containing clothing intended for his Las Vegas leg of the trip — was turned in to staff at Bright Angel Lodge around 7 a.m. on April 28 by an unidentified individual. The family offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to that person, and the National Park Service actively sought to identify and interview them as part of the investigation. Over 30 search-and-rescue personnel participated in ground and aerial searches, and the family hired a private investigator to aid efforts.
On May 9, NPS rangers located Krishna's body below the South Rim near Verkamp's Visitor Center, a spot along the Rim Trail just east of the historic El Tovar Hotel. The recovery was announced in an official NPS news release on May 12. The incident remains under investigation by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office. As of Tuesday evening, Krishna's cause of death has not been determined and no foul play has been indicated.
Krishna was on track to graduate this month and had been preparing for post-graduation opportunities. His family, including sister-in-law Dr. Pooja Shivananjappa (who provided photos to media), had publicly pleaded for information and updates during the search, describing him as a dedicated student with a bright future. In early May statements, relatives expressed uncertainty about the circumstances and emphasized his plans to return promptly. As of the latest reports, the family has declined further comment on the recovery.
The case highlighted the inherent risks of the Grand Canyon's rim trails, even in developed areas frequented by thousands of visitors daily. Park officials have not released additional details on the exact circumstances of the fall or incident.
Latest Updates (as of May 12, 2026, 8:50 p.m. UTC):Â Â
Body recovered May 9; identification confirmed May 12.
Investigation ongoing; autopsy and toxicology results pending from Coconino County Medical Examiner.
No new public appeals from family or NPS at this time.
Community and law enforcement personnel who assisted in the search have expressed condolences online.
Tragic End: Body of Missing ASU Student Sandarsh Krishna Recovered at Grand Canyon South Rim | 17GEN4 News
ASU master's student Sandarsh Krishna, 26, vanished April 27 during a Grand Canyon trip and was found dead May 9 near Verkamp's Visitor Center. Full timeline, family reward details, and investigation updates on this developing story from Arizona's 17GEN4 News.