Missing hiker swept away by flash flood found dead at Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park witnessed a tragic event when the body of a missing hiker, Chenoa Nickerson, 33, from Gilbert, Arizona, was discovered after she was swept away in a flash flood. The unfortunate incident occurred days prior to the discovery, sending shockwaves through the park and the community.

The search for Nickerson began after she was reported missing when the flash flood inundated the area where she was hiking near Havasu Creek and Beaver Falls. The U.S. National Park service reported that Nickerson's body was found around 11:30 a.m. in the Colorado River by members of a commercial river trip. Park rangers promptly responded, recovering the body and airlifting it to the Coconino County medical examiner.

Details of the Incident

On Thursday at approximately 1:30 p.m., Nickerson was hiking in the vicinity of Havasu Creek and Beaver Falls when the flash flood struck, inundating the area and leaving several hikers stranded both above and below the falls. Park rangers immediately launched a rescue mission to help those trapped, but despite their efforts, Nickerson was reported as missing after the rushing water was believed to have swept her into Havasu Creek, approximately half a mile above the Colorado River confluence.

It was later confirmed that Nickerson was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the flash flood. The absence of a life jacket raised concerns and amplified the urgency of the search and rescue mission that spanned multiple days.

Ongoing Investigation

The National Park Service (NPS) and the Coconino County medical examiner are currently investigating the incident. No further details have been made available at this stage, as the authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

Community Reflection

The devastating incident has left the community in shock, with Rochelle Tilousi, a resident near Havasu Creek, expressing her experience during the sudden deluge that lasted for at least 30 minutes. Describing it as a frightening occurrence, she noted it as one of the most significant floods she had ever witnessed.

Safety Precautions

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural environments. It underscores the paramount importance of safety precautions, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities. The absence of a life jacket in this case highlights a critical safety measure that could have potentially mitigated the risks inherent in such unpredictable conditions.