Thomas L Robison: Missing New Mexico man found dead in Colorado River after rafting with dog fails

GRAND CANYON, COLORADO: The body of a man, believed to be Thomas L Robison, 58, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was discovered in the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon National Park.

Robison had been missing for over two weeks, sparking a search that ended tragically on Friday, May 10. 

Thomas L Robison was on a journey with his Corgi dog

Robison was thought to have embarked on a daring journey down the river on a homemade wooden raft, accompanied by his 11-year-old Corgi dog, according to Daily Mail.

His raft was equipped with a paddle, a life vest, and a plastic crate for his dog.

“On Friday, May 10, National Park Service personnel were notified of a body in the Colorado River near river mile 6,” the park service stated in a press release on May 13.

“Park rangers responded and recovered the body which was transported to Lees Ferry and transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office," it added.

"Initial information indicates the body is that of missing person Thomas L. Robison. The Coconino County Medical Examiner will confirm positive identification,” the National Park Service announced in a press release.

Thomas L Robison's vehicle was found abandoned on April 21

Robison’s abandoned vehicle, a 2001 Toyota Tacoma, was discovered at Lees Ferry on April 21.

"Lees Ferry is the only place within Glen Canyon where visitors can drive to the Colorado River in over 700 miles of canyon country, right up to the first rapid in the Grand Canyon," according to the National Park Service 

It’s also a popular launch site for adventurous river runners, where they launch their boats "for trips down the canyon." Moreover, kayaking has "increasingly become a popular activity on the river."

Robison was believed to have attempted to travel down the Colorado River with his dog on a wooden raft according to the initial press release by the park service.

Park Service launched searches on April 24 to find Thomas L Robison

The park service initiated searches to find Robison on April 24, releasing a photo of his self-made raft, constructed from three wooden planks of various shades and etchings, tied together with multi-colored rope.

A paddle and an orange life jacket were also pictured alongside the raft. Photos of Robison, sporting a gray beard, and his corgi, with light brown and white fur, were also shared.

The Colorado River, according to American Rivers, spans nearly 1,500 miles, from the Rocky Mountains to Mexico.

The cause of Robison’s death and the purpose of his trip have not been disclosed by authorities at this time. The fate of his dog is unknown.