Two individuals have died and one remains missing following a devastating flash flood that swept through Grand Canyon National Park over the weekend. The powerful floodwaters struck the popular Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, prompting a large-scale rescue operation that ultimately saved 82 people.

Authorities confirmed the fatalities on Sunday evening. The body of a 46-year-old man, whose identity has not yet been released, was discovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. The other victim was identified by his family as Dr. John Giusti, a Texas-based chiropractor and father of three.

The flash flood occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, inundating campgrounds, hiking trails, and vital infrastructure. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, describing how they were forced to flee for their lives as the water surged through the canyon floor. Most of the 82 individuals rescued were airlifted out of the canyon by helicopter, though a few managed to hike out on their own.

The search for the single missing person is ongoing, with officials relying on permit data to determine the potential number of individuals unaccounted for. However, they acknowledge that day hikers without permits could also be missing. A Border Patrol technical search team, utilizing Bluetooth technology and a drone, is actively surveying the damaged areas.

Remnants of the destruction include the complete obliteration of a footbridge along Bright Angel Creek, with only the stone pylons remaining. The National Park Service has issued an appeal, requesting anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek on August 29, or who had campground reservations in the affected corridor, to contact the Investigative Services Branch.

The park service is also bracing for the possibility of more adverse weather conditions, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing recovery and search efforts. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of flash floods in canyon environments.

While initial reports suggested more than 20 people might be missing, park officials have stated that hundreds of tips have been received. Currently, there is no information to suggest anyone other than the one identified individual is still missing, though the possibility of unpermitted hikers remains.

This event underscores the critical importance of adhering to park safety guidelines, especially during monsoon season when flash flood risks are elevated. The full extent of the damage to infrastructure and the environment is still being assessed.