In brief
In a sudden, torrential monsoon downpour, the Grand Canyon bore the brunt of a flash flood that wiped out footbridges and swept a 46‑year‑old man into the Colorado River. Air‑lift efforts removed 62 people from the canyon, but 15 hikers remain unaccounted for. The National Park Service closed trails and warned of continuing heavy rain, as monsoon season will run through September.
A sudden, intense monsoon rainstorm caused a flash flood that struck the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon, taking one person’s life and leaving 15 hikers missing or unaccounted for.
The flood flattened footbridges and sent boulders downstream in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Tragically, the body of a 46‑year‑old man was found near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River on Sunday evening.
Rangers air‑lifted 62 people from the canyon and coordinated evacuation of 15 missing hikers. Participants in the rescue described the operation as “terrifying” and “uniquely coordinated,” thanks to swift ranger action.
The National Park Service has closed trails, shut down overnight lodgings on the South Rim, and warned of an extended threat from monsoon storms through September. It urges hikers on the Bright Angel Creek corridor to report any missing persons.
Forecasts predict additional heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday, with risks of more floods, debris flows, and road damage. The Grand Canyon is one of the U.S.’s most visited parks, drawing about five million visitors each year.
