The body of a 33-year-old woman, swept away in flash flooding at the Grand Canyon, has been found, reported the National Park Service.
Chenoa Nickerson, from Gilbert, Arizona, had gone missing on Thursday afternoon after heavy rain caused a flash flood that carried her into Havasu Creek, about half a mile from its confluence with the Colorado River. Her body was located around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday by a commercial river trip near river mile 176 in the Colorado River.
Park rangers recovered Nickerson’s body, transported it to the rim of the canyon by helicopter, and handed it over to the Coconino County medical examiner. The medical examiner and the National Park Service are investigating the incident.
Nickerson was not wearing a life jacket at the time she was swept away by the flash floods officials noted. Earlier on Sunday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs activated the National Guard to assist in emergency rescue operations.
The search for Nickerson, described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, concentrated in the Beaver Falls area of the Grand Canyon. Rescue crews searched by ground, air, and boat. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, black shorts, and blue hiking boots.
Nickerson had been staying at a campsite near the village of Supai on the Havasupai Reservation at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Her family expressed their determination not to give up on her.
Heavy rains caused Nickerson to be washed into Havasu Creek while she was hiking. The National Weather Service reported that the area received 1 to 2 inches of rain within 60 to 90 minutes.
Other tourists and hikers in the area were trapped by the floodwaters, leading to emergency rescues, including on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The Havasupai Tribal Council stated that all trails to and from Supai were made impassable by the storm. The area is known for its blue-green waterfalls, including the 100-foot Havasu Falls.
The Tribal Council reported that a campground near Supai sustained significant damage and had to be evacuated and closed. They prioritised the health and safety of tribal members and service providers in Supai.
Governor Hobbs extended her sympathies to those affected by the flooding, including tribal members and visitors. She confirmed the deployment of the Arizona National Guard to ensure the safety of individuals in the area, emphasising the importance of protecting the Havasupai community.
The National Guard evacuated 104 tourists and residents from the Havasupai Indian Reservation by Saturday afternoon using helicopters.
Supai resident Rochelle Tilousi recounted being separated from her children by the floodwaters. Despite the peril, the children survived and are safe. However, her family’s pets were washed away by the flood. Portions of the village remained flooded on Saturday.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Coast Reporter Authorities have recovered the body of an Arizona woman who went missing in Grand Canyon after a flash flood. (read more)
- The Star Tribune reports that search crews are combing the Colorado River at Grand Canyon National Park for Chenoa Nickerson, 33, missing after a flash flood. (read more)
- Reuters reports that a woman’s body was found after a flash flood near the Grand Canyon, emphasizing the severity and suddenness of natural disasters. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was the woman found dead in the Grand Canyon flood?
Chenoa Nickerson from Gilbert, Arizona.
When was Chenoa Nickerson’s body discovered?
Her body was discovered at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Where was Chenoa Nickerson last seen?
She was last seen near Havasu Creek in the Grand Canyon.
Was Chenoa Nickerson wearing a life jacket?
No, she was not wearing a life jacket.
How did the National Guard assist in the Grand Canyon flood?
They used helicopters to evacuate 104 tourists and residents.