Grand Canyon Flash Flood Kills 2 Texas Hikers, Leaves 1 Missing After 30-Minute Deluge
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 1
Grand Canyon Flash Flood Kills 2 Texas Hikers, Leaves 1 Missing After 30-Minute Deluge
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 1
Summary
John Giusti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, were identified by their families as the two Texas hikers killed in Saturday’s Grand Canyon flash flood; their friend Timothy Smith, 53, remained missing late Monday.
A 30-minute downpour sent floodwaters through Bright Angel Creek near Phantom Ranch, where the three men had set up camp after speaking with relatives Thursday and locating their campsite Friday.
45 people were rescued by sunset Saturday and 37 more were evacuated Sunday as National Park Service crews used helicopters, night vision and permit records to search the Kaibab Trail and Colorado River corridor.
Incident commander Dave Black said officials had no reason to believe anyone besides Smith was still unaccounted for, after checking tips, permits and vehicle license plates.
The flood hit one of the canyon’s busiest backcountry hubs—home to historic dorms, a canteen and a campground used by rim-to-rim hikers and river rafters.