The National Park Service (NPS) has requested public assistance in locating up to 20 people reported missing following a flash flood that struck the Grand Canyon on August 29, according to an official statement released Sunday afternoon. The agency is specifically seeking information about hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on that date or held campground reservations in the affected area, including those traveling along the North Kaibab Trail from the trailhead to Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or in the area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch. The flood, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, caused significant infrastructure damage, destroying nearly all footbridges and cutting off hiker access to the creek. Sixty-two people were evacuated Sunday morning, with additional evacuations underway from Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, and nearby sites. Evacuees have been transported to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is coordinating assistance.
Dr. John Giusti, a Texas chiropractor and father of three from Granbury, Texas, and his hiking group are among those unaccounted for, according to a public plea shared by his wife via his chiropractic practice’s social media page. The family’s statement, posted by Whipple City Family Chiropractic, urged prayers for Giusti’s safety and confirmed that search-and-rescue teams, including NPS ground sweeps and helicopter operations, were actively searching the canyon floor. Photos shared on Giusti’s business page show him in the Grand Canyon prior to the flooding.
Closures and ongoing risks
The NPS has closed the following areas until further notice: Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch, the Black Bridge, and the Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the Grand Canyon area through Monday evening, with additional showers and thunderstorms forecasted. Officials warn that flash flooding remains possible in creeks and normally dry washes.
Emergency response and coordination
Evacuees are receiving support at the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, where the American Red Cross is providing assistance. The NPS has urged anyone with information about missing individuals or those who may have been in the affected area to contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch. The agency has not publicly identified the approximate number of confirmed missing persons beyond the initial report of up to 20 individuals. The search-and-rescue operation is ongoing, with no estimated timeline for reopening closed areas.
Background on the incident
The flash flood struck a remote stretch of the Grand Canyon, specifically impacting Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. The floodwaters swept through the region with significant force, destroying infrastructure and isolating hikers. The NPS has not provided details on the specific conditions that led to the flooding or the current status of the missing individuals. The agency continues to assess the damage and coordinate with local and federal partners to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.