Home / Disasters and Accidents / Two Dead in Grand Canyon Flash Flood; One Still Missing
Two Dead in Grand Canyon Flash Flood; One Still Missing
2 Sep
Summary
- Two hikers from Granbury, Texas, died in a flash flood.
- Search continues for a third missing hiker in the canyon.
- Flood damage forced closure of park lodging facilities indefinitely.
Two individuals, John Giusti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, both from Granbury, Texas, lost their lives following a flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park. Their bodies were recovered after being swept away on Saturday. A third member of their hiking group, Timothy Allen Smith, 53, remains missing.
Search and rescue teams resumed efforts on Tuesday to locate Mr. Smith. Authorities initially reported as many as 30 people unaccounted for, but this number was later revised. The possibility of additional unknown victims remains, as permits were not required for daytime trail access.
The flash flood, triggered by heavy rains, sent a destructive surge of mud and debris through Bright Angel Creek. This resulted in extensive damage to trails, bridges, and the park's water pipeline system. Consequently, all overnight lodging facilities are closed indefinitely, though the park remains open for daytime visitors.
