More than 80 rescued after Grand Canyon flash floods; two dead and one missing

Two men died and a third remained missing after flash floods swept through Grand Canyon National Park, while rescuers evacuated 82 people from the canyon.

The recovered victims were identified as chiropractor Brent Rosenkranz, 42, and John Giusti, the owner of a martial arts studio. Timothy Smith, a 53-year-old pilot from Wyoming and a friend of the two men, remained unaccounted for Monday evening, according to Hannah Barricks, who serves as a liaison for their families.

The three men spoke with their families on Thursday and established their campsite at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on Friday, their families said in a joint statement. The flood struck Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River. The area contains historic dormitories, a canteen, and a campground used by river rafters and hikers crossing between the canyon rims.

By sunset Saturday, rescuers had saved 45 people. Another 37 were evacuated on Sunday, with most people transported by helicopter. Rangers used the park’s permit system and vehicle license plates to estimate how many people remained in the area. Incident Commander Dave Black said officials had no reason to believe anyone besides the one missing man was still unaccounted for based on the information reviewed.

The flooding also caused major damage to the park’s only water pipeline. Grand Canyon National Park officials said preliminary assessments indicated that about 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline had been damaged or destroyed. Overnight stays were banned for tourists, and year-round residents faced water restrictions. Trails were damaged and footbridges giving hikers access to the inner canyon’s north side were swept away. Acting Superintendent Brian Drapeuax described the pipeline as “battered, bruised, and decimated in certain areas.”

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battered, bruised, and decimated in certain areas