Overview
- An intense monsoon-driven flash flood on August 29 swept through Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch, killing three backcountry hikers and washing out bridges and campgrounds.
- Search-and-rescue teams evacuated more than 80 people and recovered two bodies in the days after the flood while the last missing hiker remained unaccounted for.
- Rangers found human remains near Crystal Rapid about 10 miles downstream from Phantom Ranch, and the discovery was publicly confirmed by the hiker’s wife on September 17.
- The recovered remains were sent to the Coconino County Medical Examiner, which is working with the National Park Service on forensic identification and recovery documentation.
- The flood heavily damaged the Transcanyon Waterline and trails, prompting stage-4 water restrictions and suspended overnight lodging, and park officials say crews are working to restore a reliable water supply within weeks.