A flash flood in the Grand Canyon has resulted in at least two deaths, according to a report published September 1. The flooding, triggered by intense monsoon rains, affected the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, destroying bridges and pedestrian paths.
The National Weather Service reported that four waves of rain fell, with the final wave being the most intense. Robert Rickey of the National Weather Service in Flagstaff stated that the final wave dropped between half an inch and just over an inch of rain in approximately 30 minutes. This intense precipitation caused the water level of Bright Angel Creek to rise from five to 10 feet in only 10 minutes.
One victim, identified by family as John Giusti, was a 46-year-old chiropractor from Texas who traveled to the canyon on Friday, August 28. His body was located in the Colorado River near Crystal Rapids on the afternoon of Sunday, August 30. A second death was reported on Monday, August 31.
On Monday, August 31, additional rain fell in the area, including parts affected by a July 2025 wildfire. The National Weather Service noted that rain falling on the Dragon Bravo fire scar, which lacked vegetation, prevented the ground from absorbing the water.
The National Park Service has suspended overnight accommodations until further notice and has requested that visitors and residents minimize water consumption because the park's primary water supply infrastructure was destroyed. The park was previously undergoing a water system modernization project that was expected to finish in 2027.
Climate experts noted that 2026 has seen particularly intense monsoon rains due to increased water vapor in the atmosphere, partly attributed to El Niño. Additionally, climatologist Daniel Swain from the California Institute of Water Resources noted a link between heavy rainfall in Arizona and climate change. According to a study in Weather and Climate Extremes, summer downpours in the western U.S. have become 10% stronger since the year 2000.
Governor Katie Hobbs stated that state authorities would support the response and that DEMA is coordinating with the National Park Service and Coconino County Emergency Management for search and recovery efforts. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding hikers who may have been in the area to call 888-653-0009.
