(The Center Square) – At least 80 people have been rescued from flash floods in the Grand Canyon.
The flooding began over the weekend when heavy rain fell in the area. At least two hikers are dead, and one remains missing.
According to media reports that referred to family statements, the deceased were identified as 46-year-old chiropractor John Giusti of Granbury, Texas, and 42-year-old martial arts studio owner Brent Rosenkranz, also of Granbury. The missing hiker has been identified as 53-year-old Timothy Allen Smith, who was raised in Granbury and living in Wyoming. The three hikers were together and entered the Grand Canyon on Friday, traveling to Bright Angel Campground.
Previously authorities reported 15 people were missing, but narrowed the list down to Smith by the time of a press conference on Monday night.
In terms of where the flooding occurred, Justin Cully, chief ranger of Grand Canyon National Park, said this was “a very common area” for day hikers.
“It’s not rim-to-rim season, but it’s very common,” Cully told reporters Monday night. “People go down to the river and back. They hit Phantom Ranch, the Canteen, get lemonade, things of that nature. So it’s very high, very common.”
Dave Black, incident commander with the National Park Service, said all employees are accounted for after search-and-recovery efforts.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those who we know were lost, and everybody who was in the canyon went through obviously a terrifying day,” said Black. “Thanks to all our partners, everyone who stepped up, offered to help or was here to help.”
Brian Drapeaux, acting superintendent at the Grand Canyon National Park, thanked the Coconino County Sheriff's Department and the Arizona Department of Safety, as well as the American Red Cross for their assistance.
“I want everybody to know that Grand Canyon National Park is open and accessible, both the North Rim and the South Rim,” Drapeaux told reporters. “We know that our status of being open to the general public and to the world population is important, not just to this park and the accessibility, but to all of you and to Americans across the country.”
According to the National Weather Service, Tuesday’s forecast calls for a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Similar conditions are expected Wednesday.
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