GRAND CANYON, AZ — A deadly flash flood has swept through the Grand Canyon, leaving one person dead and at least 14 others possibly missing or unaccounted for, according to park officials. Air evacuations were still underway Sunday as crews worked to move hikers, campers, and backpackers out of the affected inner canyon area.
The National Park Service said one body was recovered from the river in the park, but the person’s identity has not been released. Officials said the flood struck Saturday afternoon in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area, damaging campgrounds, trails, and key access routes used by visitors in the lower canyon.
Search and evacuation operations expand across the park
By Sunday afternoon, park officials said more than 20 people were initially reported missing and 62 people had been air evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. Those evacuees were taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross was helping coordinate assistance for displaced visitors.
The park urged anyone who knew hikers or backpackers in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Aug. 29, or anyone with a campground reservation in the affected area, to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch. Grand Canyon staff were working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety as the evacuations continued.
Flood damage cut off bridges, water service, and campground access
Officials said the flooding caused major infrastructure damage throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, cutting off hiker access across the creek and leaving multiple campgrounds and trails closed until further notice.
The flood also knocked out the park’s water pipeline, forcing significant water conservation measures. Starting Monday, overnight hotel stays were not allowed, and only campground bathroom faucets were expected to keep running. Park officials said there was no estimated reopening date for the affected areas.
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