Flash flooding tore through the Grand Canyon on August 29, resulting in two confirmed deaths and at least one missing person. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the severe flooding forced the evacuation of over 80 people and destroyed trails, footbridges and other park infrastructure. The flood hit popular tourist areas including Bright Angel Canyon, Phantom Ranch and the North Kaibab Trail, all of which are temporarily closed to visitors.
A water gauge system on Bright Angel Creek warned park rangers of rising water levels Saturday afternoon and quickly went offline as the flood reached dangerous speeds, Deputy Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park Brian Drapeaux said. The NPS originally reported that as many as 20 people might be unaccounted for, but officials now say that they are searching for only one missing visitor. Rescue crews used helicopters to save stranded hikers on Saturday and Sunday.
The deceased have been identified as Dr. John Giusti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, of Granbury, Texas. The two friends had been on their “dream” camping, hiking and fishing trip with a third member, Timothy Allen Smith, 53, who remains missing. Giusti, a chiropractor and father of three daughters, was described by his wife, Janet Giusti, as a “gifted healer” in his community. Rosenkranz, a husband and father of three sons, was remembered by his family as a dedicated martial arts studio owner who empowered his students. Rescuers continue to search for Smith as his wife and three children pray for his safe return.
The deluge also damaged the Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline, which officials say will require long and costly repairs. The pipeline has already needed to be fixed dozens of times since its construction in the 1960s. A $208 million repair project had just begun when the flood hit. Now, park officials estimate that about 40% of the waterline has been damaged or even entirely destroyed. As a result, stage four water restrictions have been put in place and overnight accommodations have been closed.
During the Grand Canyon’s monsoon season, which takes place in late summer, flooding and heavy rainfall are common. However, several circumstances caused this particular storm to be more devastating than usual. The Dragon Bravo and White Sage wildfires of 2025 left burn scars near Bright Angel Canyon that sent lots of mud and debris into the water, making the flood more dangerous. The flood was also especially damaging because it struck Bright Angel Canyon, an area that holds popular hiking trails and the Transcanyon Pipeline. A strong El Niño this year may have added to the strength of the storm, further worsening the flooding.
Day use of the park remains open to visitors, although trails near Bright Angel Canyon have been closed. A search and rescue operation continues to look for Smith, but additional flash flood warnings have slowed the effort. The park said that on Tuesday, U.S. Border Patrol teams joined the rescue mission. Crews have also used drones to scan for Bluetooth signals from devices that may belong to the missing hiker.