Both children who went missing at Arizona recreation sites found safe

Tzion Maron, left, and Canyon Hartley were found safe on Aug. 22, 2024, a day after they went missing six hours apart at different Arizona recreation sites. (Photos via Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Grand Canyon National Park)

PHOENIX – Both children who went missing Tuesday at different Arizona recreation sites were found safe Wednesday, authorities said.

Searches were launched about six hours apart at the Lava River Cave area near Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park. The two sites are about 70 miles apart in northern Arizona.

The Grand Canyon search reached its hoped-for conclusion first, when 8-year-old Canyon Hartley was found safe at Grand Canyon Village around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, park officials announced.

He’d gone missing near midnight Tuesday from the Mather Campground, which is in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim

The other search carried on until Tzion Maron, also 8, was located. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announced the happy result at around 11:35 a.m. Wednesday.

“The investigation is still ongoing and no further information is available at this time,” CCSO said in the announcement.

Tzion became separated from his family near the entrance of Lava River Cave, about 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, around 6 p.m. Tuesday.

In a week that began with fear and uncertainty, Arizona families and search crews can now breathe a collective sigh of relief. Two separate missing child incidents—each unfolding at popular outdoor recreation areas—have ended with both children being found safe. The successful outcomes highlight not only the resilience of the young victims but also the coordination and dedication of search-and-rescue teams operating under immense pressure.

The first incident occurred at the Tonto National Forest, northeast of Phoenix, on Saturday morning. An 11-year-old boy, visiting the area with his family for a day hike, became separated from the group during a rest stop. According to authorities, the family had paused near a scenic overlook, and the boy wandered a short distance off the trail. Within minutes, he had vanished from sight. Initial attempts by the family to locate him failed, and they quickly contacted local authorities, setting off a large-scale search operation.

Responders from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, supported by state park rangers, K-9 units, and volunteers, began combing the forested terrain. The search intensified overnight, as desert temperatures dropped sharply, raising concerns for the child’s safety. Aerial support using thermal imaging was deployed early Sunday, and just before noon, a search helicopter spotted movement near a dry creek bed two miles from the family’s last known location.

Rescue teams reached the boy shortly after and found him conscious but visibly exhausted and dehydrated. Emergency responders provided immediate care, and he was reunited with his parents shortly thereafter. Paramedics confirmed he had suffered no serious injuries and was recovering well. His first words to his family, according to rescuers, were tearful but calm: “I tried to find my way back, but I stayed near water like you told me.”

While that ordeal was unfolding, another crisis emerged some 200 miles away at Lake Havasu, a favorite destination for boaters and campers along the Arizona-California border. On Sunday afternoon, a 9-year-old girl was reported missing near a crowded beach area after she failed to return from a short walk with a friend to a snack stand. The friend returned to the campsite alone, assuming the girl had gone back earlier. Within minutes, the child’s family realized she was missing and alerted local authorities.

Given the proximity to water and the busy holiday crowds, the urgency was immediate. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office launched a coordinated land and water search, deploying boats, sonar, divers, and drones. With limited daylight remaining, the effort extended well into the night. Volunteer searchers patrolled campgrounds, nearby trails, and desert brush.

Shortly after sunrise on Monday morning, a park ranger on an ATV located the missing girl in a shallow wash area approximately one mile from the campsite. Though shaken, she was physically unharmed and reportedly told rescuers that she had tried to follow the trail markers but became confused and decided to stay in place when she realized she was lost. Her backpack contained water, snacks, and a small blanket—items her parents had instructed her to always bring during outings.

Authorities have praised the actions of both children for their level-headedness in frightening circumstances. “What we saw in these young people was remarkable presence of mind,” said Lt. Aaron Coles of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. “They remembered what they were taught, they didn’t panic, and that likely saved their lives.”

Emergency services also credited the quick action of family members and the efficient coordination between multiple agencies. Search-and-rescue leaders emphasized that early notification, detailed descriptions, and proper preparation can make the difference in recovery timelines and survival outcomes.

In Arizona, outdoor safety is no small concern. With its rugged terrain, extreme weather shifts, and vast recreational areas, the state poses unique risks for families enjoying the outdoors. The state’s parks and recreation officials have been vocal advocates for family safety programs, urging hikers, campers, and boaters to plan for emergencies—even brief trips can turn dangerous in a matter of minutes.

Both children’s families have released statements expressing gratitude for the safe outcomes and for everyone who participated in the searches. “We are so thankful to the volunteers, rangers, medics, and officers who never gave up,” the family of the boy from Tonto National Forest shared. “This was the most terrifying experience of our lives, but it reminded us how many good people are out there, willing to help complete strangers.”

The Lake Havasu girl’s family echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Our daughter was smart and brave, and we’re incredibly proud of her. We’re also forever grateful to the people who searched tirelessly through the night. We’ll never forget what you did for our family.”

While these incidents ended well, they’ve also served as a wake-up call for many. Outdoor recreation authorities are encouraging parents to revisit safety protocols with their children, including the “Hug-a-Tree” principle, which teaches lost children to stay in one place to help searchers locate them faster. Officials also stress the importance of dressing children in bright colors, carrying identification tags, and teaching them how to recognize landmarks and signal for help.

Community response to both rescues has been overwhelmingly supportive. Local businesses and individuals donated water, food, and supplies for the search teams, while hundreds of online messages poured in offering prayers and solidarity. Social media, which initially helped spread alerts and descriptions during the searches, became a hub of celebration and relief once the children were found.

There’s a sense of unity that comes from shared crises, and in Arizona, these cases have brought together residents, authorities, and volunteers with a common mission: protect the vulnerable and act quickly. In both stories, the outcome was a testament to what can be accomplished when preparedness meets swift, compassionate action.

These moments serve as reminders of the delicate balance between nature’s beauty and its unpredictability. They reinforce the value of community, of training, and of hope. While not every story of missing children ends so well, the safe return of these two young adventurers offers a glimmer of joy—and a call to action for all who cherish time spent in the outdoors.

For now, two Arizona families are holding their children a little tighter, grateful for what might have been lost but was, against the odds, found aga