Search continues for missing hiker after Grand Canyon flash flood kills two

A flash flood on Aug 29 surged through Bright Angel Creek in Grand Canyon National Park, killing hikers John Giusti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, both residents of Granbury, Texas. Their companion, Timothy Allen Smith, 53, remains missing, prompting renewed search efforts by National Park Service personnel on Sept 1. Earlier estimates of up to 30 unaccounted individuals were later trimmed to 15, with Smith now the only confirmed missing person.

Grand Canyon chief ranger Justin Cully warned that other hikers might have been in the flood zone without permits. Incident commander Dave Black reported that 82 survivors were safely evacuated, mostly by helicopter, while the flood destroyed trails, footbridges and damaged the park's fresh-water pipeline, forcing the indefinite closure of overnight facilities but keeping both rims open for daytime visitors. Authorities continue to search for Smith and assess any further casualties.