One hiker found dead and at least 14 others missing after flash floods in Grand Canyon

One hiker has been found dead and at least 14 others are missing after flash floods occurred in the Grand Canyon in Arizona on Saturday, August 30, 2026, around 2:30 PM. The flooding swept hikers and backpackers off the trails near the Colorado River. By Sunday evening, authorities reported that they were searching for 15 unaccounted individuals, revising an earlier estimate of 20 missing hikers. The National Park Service announced that the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, though the victim's identity has not yet been disclosed as the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office conducts an investigation. The missing hikers are believed to have been on routes near Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch. Authorities are requesting public assistance in identifying individuals who were traveling near the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch, including those who stayed at Bright Angel Campground or were in the area known as 'the Box' north of Phantom Ranch. All footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed in the flooding, preventing pedestrians from crossing the creek. Additionally, the flooding knocked out the sole water pipeline serving tourists and residents at the national park. Starting Monday, tourists will not be able to stay overnight at lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon National Park, and residents are being asked to conserve water. National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow reported that half an inch to an inch of rain fell within just half an hour in the rocky area, causing most of it to run off instantly. Videos from the scene showed mudslides and debris flowing through the landscape. The debris flow out of Bright Angel Creek raised the effective height of the Colorado River by about eight feet, according to Grand Canyon historian Tom Martin. Erica Viola, who was at Bright Angel Campground, reported that she and about 50 other hikers witnessed the creek rise and debris flow by, including what appeared to be a bunkhouse. They were later evacuated by helicopter. Hiker David J Gregory shared video footage of his group's rescue by an Arizona State Trooper helicopter. Two helicopters from the Park Service and the Arizona Department of Public Safety searched the North Kaibab Trail Corridor and the Colorado River, but none of the missing hikers were found. Over 62 people were evacuated from the area amid the flooding. The Black and Silver bridges, as well as traffic to the Colorado River in the area, remain closed due to debris. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes described the flooding as 'devastating' and expressed gratitude to first responders. Congressman Andy Biggs referred to the situation as a 'scary and dangerous scene' and thanked officials for their prompt action. Coconino County District Supervisor Lena Fowler expressed gratitude for the deployment of the Arizona National Guard and urged the public to take flash-flood warnings seriously. A flood watch remains in effect for parts of northern Arizona, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday and a 60 percent chance on Monday. This flooding follows the Dragon Bravo Fire, which burned a significant portion of the upper Bright Angel Creek watershed a year prior, leading to increased flood risk and the installation of monitoring equipment by the National Parks Service.