Tragic Loss: Arizona Hiker Dies in Grand Canyon Flash Flood, Dozens Rescued and Evacuated
August 24, 2024Chenoa Nickerson, a 33-year-old hiker from Gilbert, Arizona, tragically lost her life during a flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park.
Nickerson was swept into Havasu Creek around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday while hiking, and she was not wearing a life jacket.
Her husband was rescued by a rafting group, but Nickerson went missing after the incident.
Search teams discovered Nickerson's body on Sunday morning, approximately 19 miles downstream from where she was last seen.
The flash flood also trapped several other hikers, prompting extensive rescue efforts that began shortly after the flood.
In response to the flooding, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs activated the National Guard to assist with evacuations using helicopters.
The National Park Service is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nickerson's death.
Nickerson's family expressed deep grief and gratitude towards the first responders and the National Park Service Search and Rescue team.
The Havasupai Tribal Council has closed trails leading to the reservation and requested that visitors refrain from coming through for safety reasons.
Approximately 104 people, including tribal members and tourists, have been evacuated from the Havasupai Falls area due to the flooding.
At the time of her disappearance, Nickerson was described as a brunette with blue eyes, last seen wearing a black tank top, shorts, and blue hiking boots.
The National Park Service is collaborating with the Havasupai Tribe to coordinate ongoing rescue efforts and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Summary based on 16 sources
Get a daily email with more US News stories
Sources
The Guardian • Aug 25, 2024
Search continues for Arizona woman missing after Grand Canyon flash floodYahoo News • Aug 26, 2024
Body of woman swept away in Grand Canyon flash flood is foundYahoo News • Aug 24, 2024
Search underway for Arizona woman swept away in Grand Canyon flash floodYahoo News • Aug 26, 2024
Woman missing in Grand Canyon flash flooding found dead