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.

Whether by divine intervention or immense luck– fate brought David together with a group of elite thrill-seekers on an R3 expedition that night. A group of adventurers led by the founders of Man Made– an organization aimed at helping men find purpose through challenging experiences– were arriving at the Manzanita mid-way rest point just as David was giving up hope. The group leaders comprised former Colorado Rockies pitcher Josh Kalinowski, retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Kleager, and retired US Navy SEAL and sniper school instructor William Branum. They banded together to lead David safely out of the canyon. This was the start of a meaningful connection for the men that continues to this day. 

This newly minted band of brothers stayed in touch, discussing everything from life goals to being a man in 2023. As the group shared their ambitions, one topic continued to nag at each of them– they had unfinished business with the R3. It was decided that Man Made would reunite with Hatton to conquer the canyon in a new expedition leaving Sedona on October 2, 2023. They were ready after months of communication, physical training, gear curation, and testing. The men converged on Flagstaff, AZ, to stage their R3 hike: Operation Unfinished Business. This time would be different.