2 Dead, 13 Missing After Grand Canyon Flash Flood
A second body has been recovered from the Grand Canyon as officials continue searching for 13 people still missing following a flash flood that swept through the area over the weekend.
Flash Flood Sweeps Hikers From Trails Near the Colorado River
Flash flooding struck the Grand Canyon around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, sweeping hikers and backpackers off trails near the Colorado River, according to the National Park Service. About half an inch to an inch of rain fell within roughly 30 minutes in a rocky, steep-elevation area, National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow said, and most of it ran off almost instantly rather than soaking into the ground.
The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River on Sunday evening. A second body was recovered Monday. Neither victim has been publicly identified, and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating both deaths.
Search efforts are focused on hikers believed to have been on routes near Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Officials initially estimated around 20 people missing before narrowing that number, and 13 remain unaccounted for as of the latest update. Sixty-two others were evacuated from the park during the flooding.
Families Await Word on Missing Loved Ones
Family members of some of the missing hikers have turned to social media for support while they wait for updates. Darlene Atchison asked for prayers for her son-in-law, Tim Smith, saying he and two friends were caught in the flooding that swept through Bright Angel Canyon Saturday afternoon.
Janet Giusti, wife of Texas chiropractor Dr. John Giusti, said her husband was hiking in the canyon over the weekend when a powerful flash flood struck the area where he had been camping with a group that also remains unaccounted for. Giusti was last in contact with relatives around 2 p.m. Saturday, before the flooding began, according to his sister.
Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed in the flooding, cutting off pedestrian crossings in the affected area. The flooding also knocked out the park's sole water pipeline serving tourists and residents.
What's Next
The National Park Service, working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, said it's continuing evacuation and response efforts while working to account for everyone who may have been in the affected area. Beginning Monday, overnight stays at lodges and hotels within the park have been suspended, and officials are asking year-round residents to conserve water while the pipeline is repaired. Officials have warned that forecasted weather conditions could further complicate ongoing search and recovery operations.
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