Wife of Merrell founder swept down creek in Grand Canyon with step grandson

Lou-Ann Merrell, wife of Randy Merrell, was swept away with her step-grandson Saturday during a family trip in the Grand Canyon.

A search party is looking for Lou-Ann Merrell, wife of Merrell founder Randy Merrell, and her step-grandson, Jackson Standefer. The two were swept down a creek in the Grand Canyon Saturday when they lost their footing during a family trip, according to ABC News.

Merrell, 62, is an experienced backpacker, well aware of survival techniques. Her family is holding out hope that she and Jackson, 14, were able to find a rock or cave for shelter. But they likely don’t have much, if anything, with them; their backpacks have been found. Jackson’s uncle, Mark McOmie, told ABC News that it looked as if they had taken their backpacks off intentionally after falling into the creek.

Three search teams are on the ground within the canyon, and a helicopter, drone, and motor boat are also looking. The boat team was checking along the banks of the Colorado River, according to ABC.