Found Deceased AZ - John Pennington, 40, Grand Canyon, car abandoned, poss. on motorcycle, 23 Feb 2021

[dotr]

March 2 2021
Kentucky man John Pennington missing at Grand Canyon National Park
''He may be currently riding a yellow 2005 Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle with Ohio plates, the release stated.''

''Pennington, who calls himself Mister Collagen on social media, told his Facebook followers about the incident in a video on June 26. His page includes weight loss tips and motivational quotes.

He flew to Seattle and traveled to Canada and Alaska, he said in the video. He said he didn't understand why police visited his hotel room after he was approved by border patrol. Local police didn't stop him and the hotel allowed him to check-in''.

''Anyone with information about John Pennington or who has located the yellow motorcycle can call or text the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB) Tip Line at 888-653-0009; or provide information online at www.nps.gov/ISB by clicking "Submit a Tip" or by emailing ISB.''

 

[JudgeJoe]

I would also suggest posting his flyer on motorcycle forums and mc racing forums. I am going to forward it to my ex so he can post it. These guys ride and meet other riders. My opinion is this could be an accident.
Riders will tow their bikes to national parks and mountains, park and leave trailer and car and then ride for the day.

I’m thinking accident as well. I hope he’s located soon...

 

[BlkMtnGirl]

We haven't heard a thing about phone pings, have we? I realize it's probably pretty spotty there, but still...

 

[JudgeJoe]

We haven't heard a thing about phone pings, have we? I realize it's probably pretty spotty there, but still...

Great reception up top. Not so much down in the canyon. Surely he didn’t try to turn one of those mule trails into a dirt track...

 

[cuffem]

Great reception up top. Not so much down in the canyon. Surely he didn’t try to turn one of those mule trails into a dirt track...

Not possible with a sport bike. With the difference in suspension, tires and handling you would not go far. It is even difficult to keep one upright when run off the road.

 

[hotsytotsy]

Hoping for good results, like survivable misadventure.
Where are you, Mister Collagen?
JMO IMO

 

[JudgeJoe]

No NPS search updates since Feb 28. That’s most odd, imo.
Missing Person Search Initiated at Grand Canyon National Park - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

 

[daytime obsession]

Grand Canyon National Park

Not sure if I did this correctly, but GCNP just posted he has been found deceased.

 

[zecats]

Grand Canyon National Park

Not sure if I did this correctly, but GCNP just posted he has been found deceased.

Yes it is stated on GCNP Facebook page as well. He and his motorcycle have been located.

Grand Canyon National Park

News Release: Missing Person Recovered below the Rim near South Kaibab Trailhead
On Wednesday, March 3, National Park Service personnel located a body and motorcycle below the South Kaibab Trailhead after a multi-day search and rescue operation.
Park rangers recovered the body which was located approximately 465 ft. below the rim. The body was transported to the rim by helicopter and transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. Based on evidence found with the body, the individual is believed to be missing person John Pennington.
John Pennington, 40, of Walton, Kentucky, was believed to have entered Grand Canyon on or around February 23, 2021 and abandoned his personal vehicle near Yaki Point.
An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner.

 

[dotr]

rbbm
Body of man reported missing in Grand Canyon believed to be located | ABC4 Utah

''GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (ABC4) – After a multi-day search and rescue operation, park rangers in the Grand Canyon say they have recovered the body of a missing man.''

''Grand Canyon National Park was recently ranked the most dangerous national park in the nation.''

 

[cuffem]

If you ride alone let someone know your route and keep them updated on stops. When my ex rides in the mountains he gives me his route and calls me to give updates.
RIP Mr Pennington.

 

[BlkMtnGirl]

Rest in peace, John. I'm still a bit curious about details, but it doesn't really matter, sadly.

 

[cuffem]

Rest in peace, John. I'm still a bit curious about details, but it doesn't really matter, sadly.

Not sure what you would be curious about, this was an accident. Sportbikes are more difficult to handle than touring bikes. Many sportbike riders choose mountains and a National Park like the Grand Canyon because of the challenge in the turns, these bikes lean to a degree that some get a knee down on the ground.
I do not know Mr. Pennington's skill level but not everyone can ride these types of roads or handle these type of bikes and accidents can happen with anyone. Most likely a low side or high side happened coming into or going out of a turn.
O/T I was a corner/track worker for sport bike racing for 15 years.

 

[JudgeJoe]

Not sure what you would be curious about, this was an accident. Sportbikes are more difficult to handle than touring bikes. Many sportbike riders choose mountains and a National Park like the Grand Canyon because of the challenge in the turns, these bikes lean to a degree that some get a knee down on the ground.
I do not know Mr. Pennington's skill level but not everyone can ride these types of roads or handle these type of bikes and accidents can happen with anyone. Most likely a low side or high side happened coming into or going out of a turn.
O/T I was a corner/track worker for sport bike racing for 15 years.

I didn’t see “accident” in reporting- says still investigating. Could be accident that sent him over cliff. Could be “off roading” accident if he tried using that bike on descent trails. Could be suicide. Could be foul play. Usually NPS investigations are updated in time.

 

[cuffem]

I didn’t see “accident” in reporting- says still investigating. Could be accident that sent him over cliff. Could be “off roading” accident if he tried using that bike on descent trails. Could be suicide. Could be foul play. Usually NPS investigations are updated in time.

Trust me when I say that he was not riding a sport bike on any hiking trail., the center of gravity is different on sport bikes. The man had been on a trip riding his bike in different areas of the US and this is most likely IMO an accident on a turn.
Of course they are investigating because they investigate all accidents.

 

[JudgeJoe]

Trust me when I say that he was not riding a sport bike on any hiking trail. The man had been on a trip riding his bike in different areas of the US and this is most likely IMO an accident on a turn.

I respect your expertise & experience. Just saying that an unrealistic use of that bike is possible- depending on his frame of mind on that particular day. We have no verified info about his personal life or circumstances, so I’m just waiting for NPS/LE determination. Jmo

 

[dotr]

Body believed to be Kentucky man found inside Grand Canyon
''Searchers on Wednesday found the body believed to be that of John Pennington, 40, of Walton, Kentucky, approximately 465 feet (142 meters) below the South Kaibab Trailhead, officials said in a statement.''

''The statement said no additional information was immediately available and a park spokeswoman, Ranger Joelle Baird, did not immediately respond to an inquiry from The Associated Press regarding whether there was any indication Pennington purposely drove into the canyon.''
rbbm

 

[cuffem]

Body believed to be Kentucky man found inside Grand Canyon
''Searchers on Wednesday found the body believed to be that of John Pennington, 40, of Walton, Kentucky, approximately 465 feet (142 meters) below the South Kaibab Trailhead, officials said in a statement.''

''The statement said no additional information was immediately available and a park spokeswoman, Ranger Joelle Baird, did not immediately respond to an inquiry from The Associated Press regarding whether there was any indication Pennington purposely drove into the canyon.''
rbbm

Out of respect to the family and friends of this man I will not comment on this speculation just that it is unfair to the deceased and has no basis IMO.

 

[dotr]

Out of respect to the family and friends of this man I will not comment on this speculation just that it is unfair to the deceased and has no basis IMO.

Agree, luckily there was no speculation, just a statement.

 

[BlkMtnGirl]

I’m curious about the last few posts on his FB. The timing of much older events posted right before he went missing seems to have confused his acquaintances. I’m curious why his car was parked in a no parking area, almost as if it was left to be found easily. I’m curious why there was no mention of the location of his personal belongings. I’m curious why there was no mention of his phone. It’s just sad all the way around, as it looks like there are lots of people who will miss him.