Body of Missing Grand Canyon Hiker Found After Flash Floods
The National Park Service confirmed on Sunday the recovery of a woman who went missing during a devastating flash flood in the Grand Canyon. Chenoa Nickerson, 33, was found dead by a commercial river trip on the Colorado River.
The hiker’s body was recovered by helicopter and subsequently transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Park Service, together with the medical examiner’s office, are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Flash Flood Turns Hiking Trip Tragic
While hiking in the Havasu Canyon on Thursday, Nickerson became caught in the middle of a catastrophic flash flood. This natural disaster took not only tourists but local residents of the Havasupai Indian Reservation by surprise. Arizona’s Governor mobilized the state’s National Guard along with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to aid the area on Friday, following a request from the Havasupai Tribal Council. The severity of the flood led to the evacuation of a total of 104 people, encompassing tourists as well as Havasupai locals from the area.
In response to the extensive damage from the flood, the Havasupai Council has indefinitely closed the trails leading to their namesake campsite and waterfalls.
The Final Moments Before Tragedy
Nickerson was last seen at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday near the Colorado River Confluence, where the Havasu Creek meets the larger river. As per the Park Service, she was seen getting pulled into the fast-moving waters of the creek without a life jacket. Nickerson’s body was eventually discovered 19 miles from the confluence.
“We regret to inform you that our dear Chenoa has been found, no longer with us,” the grieving family of the hiker shared in a statement. “Our hearts are weighed down with profound sorrow.”
Call for Continued Awareness and Safety
These unfortunate events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions that nature can present, particularly in the form of flash floods. Tourists and local residents alike are encouraged to stay abreast of local weather conditions and heed all warnings and guidelines provided by local authorities and park services. A flash flood can strike with little warning, swiftly turning serene landscapes into hazardous terrains, as exemplified by the tragic loss of Chenoa Nickerson.
