Body of Steven Smith Found in Blackrock Canyon, Pocatello; Medical Reasons Suspected

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Monday the discovery of a body in Blackrock Canyon, located south of Pocatello. The deceased has been identified as Steven Smith, a 49-year-old resident of Pocatello. Authorities have indicated that Smith’s death appears to be from medical causes, and foul play is not suspected.

According to reports from Smith’s friends, he had possibly ventured alone to the canyon on Sunday morning to inspect his ATV, which had been left there a week earlier after sustaining damage. Concern grew when Smith did not respond to communication for several hours, prompting his friends to search for him. Tragically, they discovered his body later that day.

The friends contacted the Sheriff’s office around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday upon making the discovery. Smith’s body was located approximately one mile from the Blackrock Canyon Trailhead, situated in rugged terrain that posed challenges for access. Due to the difficult conditions, rescue operations were delayed until Monday morning.

The recovery effort was handled by the newly established Search and Rescue’s Backcountry Team, composed of skilled volunteers proficient in diverse backcountry activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, mountaineering, and off-road vehicle navigation. This mission marked their first operational deployment.

Sheriff’s officials have emphasized that the investigation into Steven Smith’s death is ongoing. They are working to gather additional information and details surrounding the circumstances leading to his passing. The community and Smith’s loved ones are urged to allow authorities time to complete their inquiries and provide updates as they become available.

The tragic incident in Blackrock Canyon serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities and the importance of safety precautions when venturing into challenging environments. As the investigation progresses, the Sheriff’s office remains committed to uncovering the full details surrounding Steven Smith’s untimely death.