Man Rescued From Grand Canyon’s

North Rim Returns To Finish Business

In March 2023, David Hatton II's attempt at the R3 canyon hike nearly met disaster.

Now, he’s reuniting with the men who rescued him to conquer the 54-mile canyon hike.

SEDONA, 9.21.23 – The rim-to-rim-to-rim hike (R3) in Arizona’s Grand Canyon is well known to seasoned outdoor adventurers as a meaningful achievement. The beautiful vistas of this natural wonder attract nearly five million tourists annually, but only about one percent hike to the bottom. Of those, upwards of 250 require rescue mid-hike, and the canyon claims an average of 12 lives per year. 

Those who achieve a successful R3 and live to tell about it can take home more than bragging rights. Some find greater meaning and purpose through the monumental effort. David Hatton II, of Crescent City, California, didn’t finish the R3 on his first attempt in March of 2023 – but he did come away from the experience with a fantastic story and an indelible connection with a new band of brothers. “I prayed for my life to be saved and this group of men found me out of nowhere. It was like divine intervention,” says David.

Late last winter, the 18-year-old had started the R3 with a friend, only to face the hike alone after the friend turned back. Determined to complete the task, Hatton forged ahead. He was caught by the weather and soaked– stranded in the canyon snow with his body temperature falling fast. The clock ticking as he braved the elements, he reached the Manzanita rest area only to find that the Park Service Ranger Residence was only seasonally staffed and not yet open. He found a bathroom to shelter in and stripped out of his wet gear. As far as David knew, no help was coming.

Luckily for David, another group was out on the frosty trails in the early pre-dawn hours. A band of 13 men was attempting the R3 at that moment. The group was led by the three founders of Man Made– former Colorado Rockies pitcher Josh Kalinowski, retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Kleager, and retired US Navy SEAL and sniper school instructor William Branum. The three leaders and their clients had been training for this adventure for weeks– yet everyone was caught off guard when they heard cries for help in the dark as they reached Manzanita.

That’s when they found Hatton dangerously cold, shivering in his underwear in the rest station bathroom. According to Man Made’s Jimmy Kleager, David was wise to strip down after his cotton gear got soaked. “In the adventure world, there is a saying, ‘cotton kills’ because as soon as it gets wet, it wicks the heat away from the body. Wearing wool or other technical clothing is preferable– but for David, it was too late.” Kleager thought back to the moment his group rushed to tell them about discovering Hatton and continued, “Even in underwear, a person is in a better situation than they’d be with wet clothes on sucking out body heat. I’m just glad we could help him in time.”

The Man-Made expedition members jumped in to help. They wrapped Hatton in a sleeping bag and space blanket and broke out their camp stoves to make the man hot chocolate and deliver needed electrolytes. They broke out a camp stove to make the man some hot chocolate. When the group contacted Park Service Rangers from Phantom Ranch to mobilize an evacuation team, they collaborated on a game plan. In a rescue, every moment counts. It was more efficient for Man Made adventure team members to walk him to the safety of Phantom Ranch themselves, including Jimmy Kleager.

On the long hike to the warmth and safety of Phantom Ranch, the men forged a genuine connection. Kleager spoke at length with Hatton, learning about his upbringing in Sacramento and his relationships with his family. They talked about proper mountaineering gear. They spoke of his drive and desire to accomplish great things - his search to find his way in the world– and what it means to be a man in 2023.

Six months later, David has completely recovered and is eager to return to the canyon that nearly claimed his life. On October 2, 2023, he will rejoin his rescuers turned mentors to attempt to conquer the R3 hike once and for all. One might say it’s a hike to redemption. “Exposure is no joke. That situation easily could have gone so much worse. Another couple of hours, and I wouldn’t have made it. I feel so incredibly lucky,” said Hatton. Kleager confirms the young man’s assertion. “I have often thought of David and his predicament over the last few months. Running into him that night was miraculous. I think the situation was as meaningful to us as it was to him.”  Kleager told us what it was like getting to know David and that he’s happy to have stayed in touch with him since the event. “He has heart, and we’re so happy to have met him ...even if it wasn’t the trip we expected,” said Kleager,”

David didn’t mince words about his excitement to return to the Grand Canyon with Man Made. “You could say that the R3 and I have unfinished business. Only this time, I’m not going it alone.”

Jimmy Kleager, Josh Kalinowski, and William Branum are available to the media for comment on this developing story. The Man-Made 2023 R3 adventure expedition will depart Sedona, Arizona, on October 2, 2023. Contact Stephanie Bradley at bradleybrandmanagement@gmail.com to coordinate media access.

More on Man Made The men behind Man Made, a life coaching firm that seeks to help men find their purpose, have been tackling the impossible for years. Each brings their unique strengths and experience– uniting to conquer the punishing terrain of the trail… and life. Founded by athletes and armed forces veterans, Man Made makes elite climbs accessible to its clientele. Learn more about Man Made’s mission and founders at www.manmadetribe.com.