Isle Royale death investigation: Hikers identified
The two people found dead in Isle Royale National Park have been identified by authorities, but their names have not been released.
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The two campers found dead at a remote campground at a Michigan national park last month have been identified as a father and son.
Rangers found the two bodies at a backcountry campground at Isle Royale National Park on June 8, the National Park Service confirmed last month. Rangers used ground and aviation resources to recover the bodies from the campsite the following day.
The two have been identified as John Baird, 60, and Bradley Baird, 30, from from Washtenaw County, Michigan, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune and local station KMSP.
Park officials have still not revealed the official cause and manner of death as the investigation continues.
Who were John and Bradley Baird?
Death certificates shared by Keweenaw County officials indicate Bradley was a self-employed writer while John was the division president for the insurance company AmeriTrust, KMSP reported.
John was reportedly a military veteran before working in insurance, according to WLUC.
USA TODAY has reached out to AmeriTrust for comment.
Where is Isle Royale National Park?
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island cluster located in Lake Superior, Michigan, known for its distinctive ecology and wildlife.
The wilderness park is only open six months out of the year and is exclusively accessible via ferry, boat or seaplane.
In 2023, park ranger Christopher Amidon told USA TODAY the park is home for wolves and moose.
“There’s been a wolf-moose predator-prey research study going on for over 60 years on Isle Royale, the longest predator-prey relationship study in existence,” Amidon previously told USA TODAY. “You have a really high likelihood of seeing moose while visiting Isle Royale, as opposed to wolves, which are incredibly secretive.”
Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr. and Eve Chen, USA TODAY
(This story was updated to include video.)
