Two bodies have been recovered following torrential flooding in the Grand Canyon, federal officials said Monday. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing in the aftermath of extensive flash flooding on Saturday along Bright Angel Canyon, which damaged critical infrastructure, including the Transcanyon Waterline, caused at least two fatalities, and left roughly 15 others missing. "Two bodies have been recovered," a National Park Service spokesperson told Newsweek in an email early on Monday.
"Preliminary assessments indicate approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed. Forecasted weather may affect the timing and pace of operations." Visitors to the park in Arizona that encompasses 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands are being advised to remain out of the closure area as search and recovery operations continue, NPS officials said. Impacted locations include Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and the entirety of the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch.
Federal officials, including representatives from the Department of Interior, are expected to update reporters during a press conference on Monday afternoon. National Weather Service officials in Flagstaff said there was a 60 to 70 percent chance of thunderstorms forecasted Saturday ahead of the deadly, fast-moving storm. "The area had received intermittent rainfall through the morning hours," an NWS spokesperson wrote in an email.
A severe thunderstorm warning was later issued at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a flash flood warning at 2:42 p.m. The severe thunderstorm then produced up to an inch of rain during the next 30 minutes, resulting in the flash flood in the Grand Canyon, NWS officials said.
The flooding began on Saturday when intense rainfall overwhelmed Bright Angel Creek, a narrow corridor that funnels water from the North Rim down to the Colorado River. Within minutes, the creek transformed into a violent torrent, sweeping debris, boulders, and mud through popular hiking and camping areas. More than 60 people were airlifted from the canyon after footbridges were wiped out and trails became impassable.
The body of a 46‑year‑old man was recovered Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids, with Arizona coroner officials on scene. A second body was recovered earlier, NPS confirmed on Monday. Hikers described scenes of chaos as the storm intensified.
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