Grand Canyon Flash Flooding Death Toll Rises to Three as Final Missing Hiker's Remains Identified
The death toll from the deadly flash flooding in the Grand Canyon in late August has risen to three, following the identification of the remains of the last missing hiker, Timothy Allen Smith. Smith, a 53-year-old pilot from western Wyoming's Star Valley, was found near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River. His remains were discovered on Monday, and his wife, Carrie Smith, confirmed the identification on Thursday. Smith was on a multi-day hiking, fishing, and camping trip with two companions, Brent Rosenkranz and John Giusti, both from Granbury, Texas, whose remains were found earlier. The flooding occurred during the summer monsoon season, which can cause sudden and intense deluges in the desert landscape, funneling water into previously dry gulleys and canyons. The event also damaged the water pipeline serving the South Rim, impacting park operations.
