The body discovered off a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park on September 9 has been identified as 43-year-old Andrew John Brunelli.

The Clayton man, called A.J. by friends and family, was on vacation in Valle, Arizona at the time of his disappearance.

Authorities said Brunelli had not shared his specific itinerary with members of his immediate family but further investigation led deputies to believe he had intended to go day hiking at the Grand Canyon.

The last reported sighting of the Clayton man was on August 31 as he entered the park. After he didn't report back in, an extensive search took place by foot and air. His body was discovered nine days after he'd entered the park.

Brunelli earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from N.C. State and later served in the Navy for four years. Since 1993, he had worked at the First Citizens Bank operations center in Raleigh.

His ashes were dispersed in the Grand Canyon National Park.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Grand National Park, Attention Mike Archer, Chief Ranger, EMS/Rescue and Recovery Unit, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023

According to a hiking tour Web site at the Canyon, more than 250 people are rescued by park rangers and EMS units from various causes each year. It is estimated that nearly five million people visit the park each year. According to sources, over 600 people are believed to have died while visiting since around 1869.