Grand Canyon search continues for 15 missing after flash flood destruction, two deaths

Federal and state authorities on Monday were still searching for at least 15 missing hikers and backpackers after a devastating flash flood pummeled through the lower edge of the Grand Canyon over the weekend, killing at least one person.

The National Park Service and local rescue agencies were searching for the visitors after evacuating dozens by Sunday, including several who were rescued by helicopter from a remote section of the park that is inaccessible by vehicle. The ramped-up search efforts come as authorities braced for another round of potentially ruinous climate conditions, officials said.

The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered from Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River, the park service said Sunday evening. Officials have not released his name.

About 7 million people were under a flood watch Monday, covering a massive swath of the Southwest from southern Arizona to northern Colorado. The area at risk includes the Grand Canyon and stretches west into Utah, according to current weather projections.

The most severe threat of flooding was in an area just north of the Grand Canyon.

Phantom Ranch, a historic lodge at the bottom of Grand Canyon National Park, and a nearby trail were considered primary danger zones after the flooding.

Park service officials said that all footbridges along Bright Angel Creek were destroyed in the major flooding event that began Saturday, eliminating all crossings for hikers. Campsites and hiking paths in the vicinity were closed until further notice.

Images show rivers of muddy water barreling through lowlands, carrying cabins away from campsites, along with branches and other debris.

Evacuated visitors were still reeling from the experience.

David Gregory told NBC News that he crossed a footbridge to safety from Phantom Ranch before the structure was wrecked by the flooding. He was then airlifted out of the area.

“It was kind of crazy hearing after that the bridge that we crossed was wiped out, kind of makes you think that maybe we should have been in more of a panic,” he said after he was taken to safety with about 50 others.

Another video showed a male visitor on a footbridge marveling at the natural disaster under his feet.

“We’re cooked!” the man said.

The park service was asking for the public’s assistance in identifying anyone who may have been traveling through the affected area.

“My heart is with the families and loved ones of every person unaccounted for after the flash flooding at the Grand Canyon,” Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs wrote on X.

Hobbs said that the state Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and Coconino County Emergency Management were assisting the park service in its search.

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