RAPID CITY, S.D. – A body was discovered Tuesday, May 26, 2020 by a local resident repairing fence in the Deerfield Lake area. At 2:25pm, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a body had been found.
Deputies and investigators were called to the scene. Based on his clothing, physical description and location, the deceased is believed to be Larry Genzlinger. He was found approximately 400 yards east of Williams Draw Road, 2 to 2.5 miles north of his last known location. The investigation will continue to confirm the identity. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27.
Genzlinger, 66, from Howard, South Dakota, was last seen October 1, 2019. He was elk hunting with his nephew in the area of Six Mile Road and Ditch Creek Road. Family contacted law enforcement about 7:30pm that night. An extensive search began, but because of the high elevation and continued snow cover, the winter passed without additional searches. With the spring thaw, search efforts resumed most recently with regional canine teams.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Larry Genzlinger,” says Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom. “The family has been notified and we hope this helps begin their healing process.”
Multiple agencies assisted in the months-long search, which took place both on the ground and in the air. Nearly 2,500 miles were logged by search teams. Agencies involved include the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Pennington County Search and Rescue, Custer County Search and Rescue, Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, Wolfpack Working Dogs, Rochford Volunteer Fire Department, Civil Air Patrol, New Underwood Volunteer Fire Department, Silver City Volunteer Fire Department, Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department, Pennington County Fire Administrator, Fairburn Volunteer Fire Department, Lawrence County Search and Rescue, Back Country Horse Riders, OST Emergency Management, Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department, Black Hawk Volunteer Fire Department, Piedmont Volunteer Fire Department, Weston County Search and Rescue, US Forest Service, South Dakota Game Fish & Parks, South Dakota Wildland Fire, Colorado Forensic Canines and Tri-State Canines.
