Human remains found in Grand Canyon after deadly flash flood
The discovery was made along the Colorado River as crews continue searching for a missing hiker.
Flash flooding trapped dozens of people at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. A helicopter was brought in to rescue the people from the floodwaters.
Human remains were found Monday in Grand Canyon National Park on the Colorado River following the deadly flash flood last month, according to reports.
The remains were discovered near Crystal Rapid, located about 10 miles downstream from Phantom Ranch, one of the areas affected by the flash flooding on Aug. 29, CNN reported. After recovery, they were sent to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office in Flagstaff, Arizona, for further examination. No additional information is available regarding the remains, the National Park Service (NPS) told CNN.
Park visitors view Grand Canyon from Mather Point. (Credit: NPS)
The flood swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area while three longtime friends were hiking. Texas residents John Giusti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, died, and their bodies were recovered during the first few days of search and rescue operations. Timothy Smith, a 53-year-old Wyoming resident, is still missing.
Smith’s wife, Carrie Smith, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that she was aware remains had been found at the Grand Canyon.
“We ask that you continue to pray alongside us!” she wrote. “Please be considerate of those handling the situation and those going through this difficult time.”
K9 handler Sue Haveruk, K9 Whiskey, handler Ursula Ritchie and K9 Alto search for the remaining flooding victim in Grand Canyon National Park more than a week after flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon. (Image Credit: Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue)
Specialized K9 teams have been searching through debris along the Colorado River for Smith, enduring 109-degree heat and an unplanned overnight stay on the canyon floor. Crews have focused their efforts near the delta around Phantom Ranch, and river patrol teams have searched downstream along the Colorado River and in areas where debris may have carried evidence.
The Aug. 29 flash flood damaged trails, utilities and almost all the footbridges across Bright Angel Creek, which restricted access for rescuers. During the initial response, about 62 people were evacuated from the lower North Kaibab Trail and Phantom Ranch. The flooding also damaged about 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies the park with water.
Excavator works in new Phantom Ranch water intake site. (Credit: Grand Canyon National Park)
Last week, the NPS shared its recovery and repair plan in a statement following the destructive flood. In an update on Tuesday, Grand Canyon National Park announced the Phantom Ranch wastewater treatment plant returned to operation with limited service.
Park officials encourage visitors to bring their own water and use designated portable bathrooms and handwashing stations while water restrictions remain in place.
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