Three men from Granbury, Texas who hiked into the Grand Canyon were swept up in a late August flash flood, with authorities confirming the last missing hiker’s remains after two other deaths were previously identified. The flood damaged bridges and the park’s water system, triggering a major rescue effort that evacuated more than 80 people. Timothy Smith, the final member of the group to be identified, was found near Crystal Rapid on the Colorado River and died alongside his companions, John Giusti and Brent Rosenkranz. The families provided statements of faith and gratitude, while fundraising efforts supported the victims’ relatives. The incident closes a tragic chapter of the flood’s impact and underscores ongoing safety concerns for canyon exploration going forward.
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Timothy Smith, 53, was identified after his body was found Sept. 14 and confirmed Sept. 15 by the Coconino County Medical Examiner. All three men who died in the Grand Canyon flood on Aug. 29 have now been accounted for.
The floods ripped through portions of the canyon, washing out footbridges and damaging part of the park’s water system, leading to the evacuation of more than 80 people and disrupting park operations.
Smith, his wife, and their three children had relocated to Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming, after originally being residents of Granbury, Texas, where his companions also lived.
John Giusti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, were confirmed dead by their families and the National Park Service on Sept. 1; both were from Granbury and posted updates about their trip on social media before the flood.
The trio arrived at the Grand Canyon on Aug. 27, reached Bright Angel Campground on Aug. 28, and went exploring on Aug. 29 when the floods struck the area near Crystal Rapid along the Colorado River.
Family statements highlighted Smith’s character as a helpful, outdoors-loving pilot for NetJets who enjoyed hiking and camping, with his wife asking for continued prayers and noting the family’s endurance through the tragedy.
Following the incident, online fundraisers were established to support Giusti, Rosenkranz, and Smith’s families as they cope with the losses.