Missing camper was last seen entering river in inflatable kayak, Colorado cops say
Update: The search for Ari Harms was suspended Sunday, June 4, after six days until conditions on the Colorado River allow more areas to be safely searched, Grand County sheriff’s officials reported.
Original story is below:
Crews are searching for a camper who was last seen entering the Colorado River in an inflatable kayak, according to a sheriff’s office.
Deputies went to Pioneer Park campground in Hot Sulphur Springs at about 2 p.m. on May 29, according to the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. The campground’s host told them a vehicle belonging to a camper who should have checked out was still at the campsite, a post on the sheriff’s office Facebook page says.
Other campers told deputies they’d seen Ari Harms getting into the river with an inflatable kayak on May 28, the post says.
Rescuers started searching the area of the river and Byers Canyon but could not find Harms, the post says.
A portion of the river and parts of a highway in Byers Canyon were closed on May 31 so crews could conduct air and ground searches, the sheriff’s office said.
Friends shared pictures of Harms on Facebook and pleaded for people to join the search.
“Ari is so loved,” Ash Alnite wrote on Facebook. “He’s family. He’s a friend. He has done so much for our community. We need all the positive energy we can get to bring him home safe.”
Harms works as a housing stability resource manager for Hope Communities, an affordable housing advocacy organization in Denver, according to the website. Harms also performs as a drag king under the name Simon Paul, according to friends on social media.
“If anyone has any information on this beautiful soul, please come forward,” wrote Ryen Charles Ernstsen. “They are cherished, loved, and make a huge impact on our queer community regularly.”
Hot Sulphur Springs is about 100 miles northwest of Denver. Byers Canyon is an 8-mile stretch of canyon that follows the Colorado River between Hot Sulphur Springs and Kremmling.
This story was originally published May 31, 2023 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Missing camper was last seen entering river in inflatable kayak, Colorado cops say."