This story could have had a sad and tragic ending, but instead, there's good news.

On Monday, 82-year-old Robert McLeroy, of Nucla, was reported missing and believed to be heading to Grand Junction. The good news is he has been found alive.

The Montrose County Sheriff's Office extensively searched the Highway 141 area for three days, and today a large search party began searching on foot, kayak, and vehicle. A large number of volunteers and various agencies were involved.

Montrose County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
Montrose County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
loading...

According to the Montrose County Sheriff's Office, McLeroy's grandson, Ethan Archer, was searching from the San Miguel River in a kayak when he spotted his grandfather laying inverted on the riverbank with the nose of his red vehicle in the river. It's believed McLeroy attempted to get out of the vehicle after going down the steep bank, but fell as he tried to climb out.

When rescuers arrived, several trees were cut to clear a path and ropes and pulleys were used to hoist McLeroy up the bank. He was transported by helicopter to St. Mary's Hospital for medical evaluation.

Big thanks and kudos to so many who helped in the search and rescue including the Montrose County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Century Link, Nucla and Naturita Fire & EMS, Montrose County Road and Bridge, San Miguel County Undersheriff Berg, Classic Air Medical, Colorado State Patrol and Mesa County Sheriff's Office.

Our wishes and prayers for Mr. McLeroy are for a complete and speedy recovery.

More From 99.9 KEKB - Grand Junction's Favorite Country