Missing Person Case Update – Michael Grenley

Missing Person Case Update – Michael Grenley

Michael Sean Grenley, 41 years old, left his home near 75th Ave and Deer Valley in north Glendale, at 1pm on July 19th. His wife had thought he had simply gone to get lunch, but concerned, reported him missing later that day after he did not return.

Michael enjoyed driving his Jeep Rubicon to remote areas north of Phoenix, and quickly there was speculation he may have simply gone for a ride in the desert. On August 6, 2011, a motorcyclist discovered Michael’s remains near his Jeep approximately 10 miles north of Lake Pleasant and notified Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. A spokesperson for sheriff’s office indicated the Jeep was found with the front end stuck on a large boulder.

Arizona is known for its rough terrain in the area north of Lake Pleasant. Many venture north on 4x4s, dirt bikes and quads thru unmaintained trails between Lake Pleasant and Crown King, a popular place for avid off-road enthusiasts due to its spectacular scenery and challenging landscape. Though lovely, the Arizona wilderness is also quite unforgiving.

Michael’s cause of death has not been publicly released, however the Medical Examiner indicates there was no sign of foul play or a struggle. On the day of Michael’s disappearance Arizona experienced a Haboob, a storm that created a nearly 3,000-4,000 foot high wall of dust at approximately 4:30pm as it rolled through the counties of Pinal and Maricopa, causing hazardous driving conditions throughout the valley. In addition to driving hazards, temperatures in Arizona, July through August can range from 90-128 degrees, along with potential dangers of flash-flooding where in a matter of minutes 10-30 foot walls of water can fill dry creek beds.

It is not known if weather conditions contributed to Michael’s death but in Arizona, for those suffering from a medical condition, exposure to high temperatures and possible lack of water can quickly cause health complications and death due to exposure.

Posted on an off-road website, a member wrote, “This is a sad reminder to all of us to always bring another person and be well-equipped when traveling off-road.”

Michael Grenley is survived by his wife, Melissa, of 17 years and 6 year-old son. His wife described Michael as a wonderful father and regrets he won’t be there to see their 6-year-old son grow up.

Author – Kym L. Pasqualini
Founder of National Center for Missing Adults
& Social Network Advocate
Missing Persons Advocacy Network
Phone: 800.889.3463

Missing Person Case Update – Michael Grenley

Missing Man Thought to Have Been In Desert During Arizona Haboob

Arizona is one of the most rugged terrains in the United States. With the Sonoran desert’s extraordinary scenery; deep canyons and Saguaro cactus scattered across the desert, breathtaking sunsets, the majestic red rocks of Sedona, to the pines of Flagstaff, outdoor enthusiasts revel in exploring the beautiful landscape. Arizona’s countryside is also one of the most unforgiving with triple digit temperatures in summer months. July through August temperatures can range from 90-128 degrees. Arizona’s monsoon season also brings perilous flash floods consuming everything in their path. In a matter of minutes, 10-30 foot walls of water can fill canyon streams and dry creek beds. This, combined with some of the most deadly critters in the country, such as the Arizona Diamondback rattlesnake, makes Arizona not only one of the most beautiful places to explore but one of the most dangerous.

Michael Sean Grenley, 41 years old, left his home near 75th Ave and Deer Valley in north Glendale at 1pm on July 19th. He was driving his red Jeep Rubicon, AZ license plate 797-VZS. He is described as an avid off-road enthusiast and often drives to remote areas in his jeep. Grenley, an employee at Honeywell, also suffers from a medical condition and needs his prescription medicine. Friends and family describe Grenley as a very experienced 4-wheeler.

On July 19, Arizona experienced a storm that created a nearly 3,000-4,000 foot high wall of dust at approximately 4:30pm as it rolled through Pinal and Maricopa counties. The National Weather Service reported the storm reached 20-40 mph and reduced visibility up to 60 feet in some areas. Also, known as a ‘Haboob’ in Arabic, this storm was significantly smaller than the July 5th dust storm that produced a wall of dust 5,000-8000 feet high. However, the most recent storm brought with it rain and winds that brought down trees and the potential of major flash flooding in the desert. Weather officials say Haboob only occur in Arizona, parts of the Middle East and the Sahara desert due to dry conditions and high amounts of sand. This extreme weather would pose hazard to anyone caught in its path.

amily and friends continue to wait for any word that Michael Grenley is safe. Glendale Police Department continues to search for the missing man.