SPRINGDALE, UT - On Saturday, Oct. 2, at approximately 3:30 p.m. MT, Nellis Air Force located John Fiske Burg above Lodge Canyon in Zion National Park. Burg was treated on scene and then transported to St. George for further medical attention.
John Fiske Burg was reported overdue on Sept. 29, 2021. He was last seen on September 28th, 2021, at approximately 7:00 a.m. MT leaving the La Quinta hotel in Kanab, Utah. Burg was staying there with a group of 50 hikers and stated he may hike the Canyon Overlook Trail.
On the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 1, Burg was able to make a 911 phone call to Washington County and also left a voicemail message with his family. These phone calls provided the SAR operations the insight needed to increased operations and target specific areas of Zion National Park. The 911 call he made was critical and saved his life.
Zion National Park would like to thank Nellis Air Force Base, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue K-9 Units and Drone Teams, and all the staff and volunteers that provided support for this search and rescue effort. The National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line was very important to this rescue effort and Park Rangers appreciate all the support from the public and park visitors. This successful rescue would not have been possible without the network of individuals and resources.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
