One still missing after Grand Canyon floods kill two and prompt rescue efforts

September 1, 2026

Flash flooding struck the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon, killing two adult males and initially leaving 30 people unaccounted for. National Park Service rangers conducted extensive airlift operations, evacuating 82 people total from heavily impacted areas like Phantom Ranch over the weekend. Search crews have located all but one missing person and plan to continue searching Tuesday morning in the area between Phantom Ranch and Cottonwood Manzanita.

Who is affected

Two adult males who died in the flooding
One person still missing
82 people who were evacuated by airlift (45 on Saturday, 37 on Sunday)
Nikki Baggs, 41, and her two friends who were airlifted out
Approximately 2,500 residents who rely on the damaged Transcanyon Waterline
Visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park
National Park Service rangers and rescue crews

What action is being taken

Rangers are working to locate the remaining missing person
Crews have been conducting airlift evacuations from affected areas
The National Parks Service has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, Black Bridge, Silver Bridge, and areas along the Colorado River
Preliminary assessments of the Transcanyon Waterline damage are being conducted

Why it matters

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, receiving approximately five million visitors annually, with the Bright Angel trail being its most popular hike. The flooding has caused fatalities, destroyed critical infrastructure including nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek, and damaged about 40% of the water delivery system that serves both visitors and 2,500 residents. Monsoonal storms in the southwestern US are particularly dangerous because they are difficult to forecast and strike dry ground, leading to flash flooding that can occur without warning.

What's next

Crews will be deployed Tuesday morning to search for the final missing person in the area between Phantom Ranch and Cottonwood Manzanita
Further heavy rain is forecast overnight from Monday into Tuesday, bringing an elevated risk of additional flash flooding to the area

Read full article from source: BBC