Man found dead in Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park

Authorities are investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered Wednesday morning at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Deputies with the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office responded to the park around 8:40 a.m. after receiving reports of a deceased person. Upon arrival, investigators located the body of a male, believed to be in his early 40s, below a lookout point situated just north of the park’s visitor center.

Preliminary investigation suggests the man arrived at the park by vehicle on Tuesday night, according to the sheriff's office.

The man’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. While the body was found in a rugged area of the canyon, officials have not yet determined the exact cause or manner of death.

"At last report, it remained unknown how and why the man's body was located in the place where it was found," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

The investigation is being handled by the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the National Park Service. No further details were immediately available.

This is a developing story. The Gunnison Country Times will provide updates as more information becomes available.