A Texas chiropractor and father of three, Dr. John Giusti, 46, has been confirmed dead following devastating flash floods that swept through the Grand Canyon. His family announced his death via a GoFundMe campaign, stating he was fulfilling a lifelong dream of exploring the canyon when the tragedy occurred on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Giusti was last in contact with relatives around 2 p.m. on Saturday, shortly before the flooding began.
Park officials confirmed that the body of a 46-year-old man was found on Sunday, with a second body recovered on Monday. While neither victim has been formally identified, Giusti's family has identified him as one of the deceased. The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the deaths.
More than a dozen others remain unaccounted for, and authorities have cautioned that forecast weather conditions could impede ongoing rescue and recovery operations. Loved ones have taken to social media to share updates about individuals believed to be in the area at the time of the floods. Darlene Atchison posted on Facebook seeking prayers for her son-in-law, Tim Smith, and his two friends, who were reportedly caught in the flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon on Saturday afternoon.
Approximately 62 people were evacuated from the park on Saturday. Park officials are requesting anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek or had campground reservations in the area on the day of the floods to contact the Investigative Services Branch.
Infrastructure Damage and Water Conservation
The flash floods caused significant damage to park infrastructure, destroying nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek and rendering them unusable for pedestrian crossings. The sole water pipeline serving tourists and residents within the national park was also knocked out.
Beginning Monday, overnight stays at lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon National Park were suspended. The park has also urged year-round residents to conserve water, citing the necessity of these measures for the safety and sustainability of water resources. 
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow, about half an inch to an inch of rain fell within a half-hour period in the rocky terrain, leading to rapid runoff due to the steep elevation drop. Videos from the Grand Canyon showed mudslides tearing through the landscape, with large mounds of debris visible in the muddy water.
Dr. Giusti, who had practiced chiropractic for 19 years and previously worked in New York before moving to Texas, was described by his wife as a dedicated healer and a devoted father to their three daughters. He was an avid outdoorsman, trained in martial arts, and was preparing to run a marathon. 
