UT UT - William "Bill" Thorpe, 80, got off the park shuttle bus, Bryce Canyon Natl Park, 1 Sept 2022

GuyfromCanada

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  • #1
Authorities are asking for your help to locate a missing person. If you visited Bryce Canyon National Park at any time from Thursday, September 1st through today you may have important information to share.

William “Bill” Thorpe was last seen disembarking the park shuttle at Bryce Point on Thursday, September 1st at approximately 3:00PM. He is approximately 80 years old and was last seen wearing a turquoise shirt, khaki or light-colored pants, a dark belt, and tan colored hat.

His current whereabouts are unknown. Search efforts are ongoing.

If you believe you saw him or have any other information that might help, please contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office at (435) 676-1134 or NPS Glen Canyon Dispatch at (928) 608-6301.

302438741_448450197327407_4110228388691200817_n.jpg


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Officials did not say what Thorpe’s plans were once he reached Bryce Point, but the destination is a very popular scenic point in the park.

It’s known for its sunrises and hoodoos. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the steep Peek-a-boo Loop Trail. Bryce Canyon National Park encompasses more than 56 square miles of desert in south-central Utah. It’s home to dozens of amphitheaters with narrow slot canyons and the spires called “hoodoos.”

 
  • #2
  • #3
Authorities are asking for your help to locate a missing person. If you visited Bryce Canyon National Park at any time from Thursday, September 1st through today you may have important information to share.

William “Bill” Thorpe was last seen disembarking the park shuttle at Bryce Point on Thursday, September 1st at approximately 3:00PM. He is approximately 80 years old and was last seen wearing a turquoise shirt, khaki or light-colored pants, a dark belt, and tan colored hat.

His current whereabouts are unknown. Search efforts are ongoing.

If you believe you saw him or have any other information that might help, please contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office at (435) 676-1134 or NPS Glen Canyon Dispatch at (928) 608-6301.

302438741_448450197327407_4110228388691200817_n.jpg


301592632_448450167327410_8989720285075264810_n.jpg



Officials did not say what Thorpe’s plans were once he reached Bryce Point, but the destination is a very popular scenic point in the park.

It’s known for its sunrises and hoodoos. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the steep Peek-a-boo Loop Trail. Bryce Canyon National Park encompasses more than 56 square miles of desert in south-central Utah. It’s home to dozens of amphitheaters with narrow slot canyons and the spires called “hoodoos.”

Was he traveling alone? Where was he lodging?

Did he tell family or friends of his plans or itinerary? Did he fly or drive out there?

Where is he from? Has he been to Bryce before?

Sheriff Perkins along with the Garfield County Search and Rescue along with multiple agencies spent the whole day searching for William Thorpe. There is still an active search at this time. A big thank you to all those who have participated and continue to participate on this search.
 
  • #4
Looks like the first photo was of William arriving at Bryce Canyon (from clothing description). He doesn't seem to have a backpack or bag for supplies, water. Almost a week ago now..
 
  • #5
1662582488301.jpeg

William “Bill” Thorpe, who is believed to be approximately 80 years old, was last seen exiting a shuttle bus at Bryce Point at about 3 p.m. on Sept. 1, according to a Garfield County Sheriff’s Office news release issued as a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Thorpe was last seen wearing a turquoise shirt, khaki or tan pants, a dark belt, and tan colored hat. Two surveillance images showing Thorpe wearing that attire were released by the Sheriff’s Office.


 
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  • #6
I wonder why no bag or backpack? That's a bit odd....
 
  • #7
7 Sep 2022
SBM

If you visited Bryce Canyon National Park over Labor Day weekend, authorities are asking that you jog your memory for any information about a man who was last seen getting off a park shuttle in the area. [snip] If you believe you saw him or have any other information that might help, please contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office at (435) 676-1134 or NPS Glen Canyon Dispatch at (928) 608-6301.
 
  • #8
His lack of backpack, water, trekking poles etc. make me wonder if he was planning to just hop off the shuttle at some of the viewpoints and then get back on and ride it again but not do much walking or hiking.

I was in Bryce Canyon last summer. The shuttle is not mandatory like it is in Zion so I don’t have experience riding it but have some experience with the park. I’m curious where his car was left and what lodging he was staying at plus how many days he planned to be in the area.

Wondering if he went over an edge somewhere (though thinking he would have been found by now with the searches?) There are places even on the rim trail (which in some areas can be more like walking than hiking) where you can walk right up to the edge of the amphitheater (that is what the area with all the hoodoos is called. It’s not like a man made amphitheater).

Also trails you can hike down into the hoodoos. They are all pretty popular and it’s not like many parks where there are a ton of trees or anything. I have not hiked all of those trails but I’m struggling to think of places he might be where he wouldn’t be found on searches. MOO
 
  • #9
  • #10
SEPT 12

Still missing.

 
  • #11
Guys, I don't want to be the pessimist here but a lack of water or bags may because he wanted to die? Hate to throw the suggestions this way but I'm being reminded of similar cases
 
  • #12
Posted: Sep 10, 2022 / 10:21 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 13, 2022 / 07:30 AM CDT
SBM

“When he goes to the parks, they usually hire him to help manage the park, for something for him to do. He’s always employed when he goes to the parks, and helps people get settled into their campsites and things,” Scott said. “It’s unlike him. He’s very punctual.”

His RV sits intact in the park. “We’d like to have some closure,” Scott said.

He gets daily updates about the search in which Sheriff Danny Perkins is involved.
 
  • #13
  • #14
It’s been a long time. Where are you, Bill?
 
  • #15
I wish this family could have some closure. Bill, are you out there? :(
 

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