Search Ongoing for New Jersey Man Missing in Grand Canyon After Tesla Found Abandoned

Thomas Daniel Gibbs

Authorities are continuing the search for a New Jersey man who disappeared over a week ago while visiting Grand Canyon National Park. The man’s Tesla Cybertruck was found abandoned at a trailhead parking lot, prompting a large-scale search effort.

Thomas Daniel Gibbs, 35, of Freehold, New Jersey, was last in contact with his family around 12 p.m. local time on Tuesday, July 22. At the time, he was believed to be near the Grandview Trail and Horseshoe Mesa area, according to the National Park Service.

After days of silence, his family and friends reported him missing on Monday, July 28. That same day, his vehicle—a Tesla Cybertruck—was located in the Grandview Point parking lot inside the park.

The search for Gibbs remains active, with ground crews continuing efforts to locate him. As of Thursday, July 31, there have been no new developments, according to park officials.

Grand Canyon National Park spans 278 miles along the Colorado River and features some of the most iconic geological formations in the United States. The area Gibbs is believed to have visited, Grandview Trail and Horseshoe Mesa, is known for its rugged terrain, steep descents, and intense summer heat.

Park officials noted that the North Rim of the canyon is currently closed due to wildfire damage from the Dragon Bravo Wildfire, and an extreme heat warning was issued on July 31, further complicating search efforts.

Gibbs is described as a white male, 6 feet 1 inch tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has no tattoos. Authorities are urging anyone who was in the vicinity of Grandview Trail or Horseshoe Mesa on July 22 to come forward with any information that could assist the search.

Grand Canyon National Park is located on the ancestral lands of 11 tribal communities and sees nearly five million visitors each year. Officials stress the importance of caution and preparedness when navigating its vast and challenging terrain.