Most Grand Canyon hikers saved from fatal flood; One missing

The two men killed in Saturday's flash floods in Grand Canyon National Park were identified as John Giusti and Brent Rosenkranz, according to public statements from friends and family. The men were friends and hiking partners, both from Granbury, Texas.

Park officials said Monday that only one person was still unaccounted for, down from previous estimates of more than 15 missing. Searchers with cadaver dogs continued to comb the box area near the flooded Bright Angel Creek, according to National Park Service incident commander Dave Black. While officials did not identify the final missing person, the individual could be Timothy Smith, a friend and hiking partner of the two others killed in the floods.

What do we know about the victims? Giusti worked as a chiropractor. He was a devoted father to his three daughters, an avid runner, and a car enthusiast, according to family friend Carrie Smith. A Grand Canyon hiking trip had been his lifelong dream, according to Smith. She thanked supporters for their prayers.

Rosenkranz owned a martial arts studio. He was adventurous, loving, and enjoyed cooking, according to his wife Elisha. The couple had been married 21 years and had three children, she said.

How common are flash floods in the park? Flash floods occur frequently in the Grand Canyon, especially from July to September, according to the park’s website. The Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Ranch areas of the park experience notable flash floods almost yearly, even from a few inches of rain, according to the park’s incident reports. A 1997 flash flood in the area swept away and killed a Louisiana couple.