A flash flood in the Grand Canyon has claimed the life of a Texas chiropractor, Dr. John Giusti, and left two of his hiking companions still missing, according to his former practice and loved ones. The incident occurred on August 29 when floodwaters surged through Bright Angel Creek.
Giusti, a father of three from Granbury, Texas, was fulfilling what his wife described as a "lifetime dream" when the deadly flood struck. Whipple City Family Chiropractic, where Giusti previously practiced for eight years, confirmed his death in a Facebook announcement. His wife, Janet Giusti, memorialized him as a "real-life superhero" and a devoted father.
Missing Hikers
Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate Brent Rosenkranz and Tim Smith, who were hiking with Giusti. Loved ones have identified them as the other two members of Giusti's hiking group. Rosenkranz had posted on social media about the challenging hike prior to the flooding, expressing excitement for the adventure.
Giusti had practiced chiropractic care for 19 years, including eight years as a partner at Whipple City Family Chiropractic in New York before moving to Texas in 2020. He and his wife were raising their three daughters in Texas.
Grand Canyon Flood Impact
The National Park Service reported that the flash flood began around 2:30 p.m. on August 29. By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. The severe flooding destroyed nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek, severing hiker access across the waterway. The flood also led to the closure of Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, Black Bridge, Silver Bridge, and restricted river traffic on the Colorado River.
The National Park Service has not publicly identified the individuals unaccounted for, and officials have not confirmed Giusti's name. The agency is requesting information from anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor or had a campground reservation there on August 29 to contact investigators.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs stated her "heart is with the families and loved ones of every person unaccounted for after the flash flooding at the Grand Canyon." The Arizona Division of Emergency Management is collaborating with the National Park Service and Coconino County Emergency Management to support search and recovery operations.