Deadly Flash Flood Hits Grand Canyon, Leaving One Dead and 15 Missing

A catastrophic flash flood in Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park has led to at least one confirmed death, with 15 other individuals presumed missing, according to authorities. The incident prompted the evacuation of over 60 people.

The body of a 46-year-old man was discovered on Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. The severe flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau, inundating Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area around 2:30 pm on Saturday.

Dramatic Helicopter Rescues

Parth Desai, who was hiking in Bright Angel Canyon with a group, described the sudden onset of the flood. "We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere, boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere," he recounted to the Associated Press. His group narrowly escaped a 4-foot wall of debris by scrambling up an area with cacti before being airlifted to safety by helicopter.

Cause of the Devastating Flood

The National Weather Service reported that approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of rain fell in under 20 minutes in the affected region, with much of this water rapidly descending the steep terrain. This natural event caused widespread destruction, obliterating nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek and washing large boulders and debris into the Colorado River. The park's primary water pipeline was also damaged, leading to water restrictions.

Forecasters anticipate further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall continuing into Monday. While the park remains open for day visitors, the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and sections of the North Kaibab Trail have been closed. Overnight stays at park lodges and hotels will be suspended starting Monday, and Colorado River rafting excursions have been temporarily halted.