Two individuals have died and one person remains missing following a flash flood event at the Grand Canyon over the weekend, according to authorities.
The National Park Service confirmed the fatalities, identifying one victim as Dr. John Giusti, a Texas chiropractor and father of three. The body of a 46-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River.
The flash flooding occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time on Saturday in the popular Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas. The event resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, with nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek destroyed, impeding hiker access across the waterway. Campgrounds, trails, and vital infrastructure were also impacted.
Authorities initially reported more than 20 people missing. As of Sunday evening, the number of missing persons was based on issued permits, though park officials acknowledged that unregistered day hikers could also be unaccounted for. A Border Patrol technical search team, utilizing Bluetooth technology and a drone, is continuing the search for the remaining missing person.
Flood survivors described fleeing for safety as the torrent swept through the canyon. Hundreds of tips have been received, but officials stated there is currently no reason to believe anyone beyond the one individual being sought is missing.
The flash flood followed four rounds of rain that moved across parts of the Grand Canyon over approximately six hours. While the initial three rounds were light, they saturated the ground, making the area susceptible to dangerous flooding when the fourth, torrential round of rain occurred. The steep terrain of the canyon and a recent burn scar from the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim were identified as likely contributing factors to the severity of the flood.
More than 60 individuals were evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail by air. Some individuals were able to hike out of the affected areas on their own.
The National Park Service is requesting information from anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or who had campground reservations in the affected area. Information can be provided to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.