Human Remains Found in Grand Canyon Identified as Missing Hiker
The discovery brings the death toll from late August flash flooding to three, according to the victim's wife.
Human remains found in the Grand Canyon this week have been identified as Timothy Allen Smith, the last person missing after deadly flash flooding in late August. Smith, 53, was a pilot from Star Valley, Wyoming.
His remains were discovered Monday near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River. The discovery brings the death toll from the flood event to three. The remains of Smith's two backcountry companions, Brent Rosenkranz, 42, and John Giusti, 46, both of Granbury, Texas, were found earlier.
Smith, Rosenkranz, and Giusti were on a multiday hiking, fishing, and camping trip when the flooding occurred. Smith grew up in Granbury and lived with his wife in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming. His wife, Carrie Smith, confirmed the identification on social media, stating that the family had been waiting and hoping for his return.
The flooding began August 29 during the summer monsoon season, a period when thunderstorms and heavy rain can quickly develop. The desert landscape can channel runoff into flash floods down dry gullies and canyons. The rain fell on a North Rim burn area from a July 2025 lightning-caused wildfire. Burn areas can exacerbate flash flooding due to reduced vegetation absorption.
The flash flood also damaged the water pipeline that supplies the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This disruption led to the halting of overnight lodging until the pipeline could be restored. Park officials anticipated restoring a reliable water supply within weeks, as most of a near-complete pipeline project was undamaged. However, many hiking trails and lodging areas remained closed, and inner canyon water was shut off, prompting advisories for hikers to carry their own water or filtration devices.
Another flash flood occurred in the canyon along Bright Angel Creek and the Colorado River on Wednesday, but no injuries were reported. Park officials stated that efforts to minimize personnel presence and flash flood warnings helped crews reach safety. Damage assessments were underway.