Body of local man found in Blackrock Canyon identified by county officials

POCATELLO — The assemblage of a section man has been recovered from nan canyon conscionable southbound of Pocatello.

Steven Smith, 49, is believed to person gone retired unsocial into Blackrock Canyon Sunday greeting to inspect his wrecked ATV. A group of Smith’s friends went looking for him aft respective hours of not proceeding from him and recovered him dead.

“My bosom goes retired to Steven’s parents, family and friends during this difficult time,” said Coroner Torey Danner successful a news release.

Smith’s decease is suspected by Danner to beryllium medically related, but nan charismatic origin will beryllium wished pursuing an investigation. He is not suspected by authorities to person died from foul play.

The family reported nan incident to nan Bannock County Sheriff’s Office astir 7:30 p.m. that day. Deputies, Search and Rescue unit and nan Coroner’s Office secured nan area, and recovered Smith astir a mile distant from nan Blackrock Canyon Trailhead successful a steep canyon that is difficult to entree without off-road vehicles.

Search and Rescue originates its descent down nan canyon. | Photo courtesy Bannock County

Search and Rescue continues to descend nan canyon. | Photo courtesy Bannock County

Because of nan low-visibility and steep terrain, authorities decided it was unsafe to retrieve nan assemblage until nan morning. Deputies remained connected segment until 3 a.m. and returned astatine 9 a.m. Smith’s assemblage was recovered connected Monday astatine noon.

Responding to this incident was nan Backcountry Rescue Team, a caller portion of Search and Rescue made up of volunteers skilled successful galore forms of backcountry recreation. According to nan news release, this was nan team’s first ngo and they were “essential” to completing nan recovery.

“I want to convey our dedicated volunteers pinch nan Search and Rescue and Backcountry Rescue teams for their willingness to driblet everything to thief erstwhile 1 of our neighbors successful need. Their efforts are genuinely appreciated,” said Sheriff Tony Manu.

The sheriff’s agency will not beryllium releasing further accusation while nan investigation continues.