Hiker’s Body Found Following Grand Canyon Flash Flooding
The body of a hiker has been found at the Colorado River after a flash flood in the Grand Canyon moved her into Havasu Creek and prompted the rescue of hundreds of people. The hiker has been identified as Chenoa Nickerson, 33, and her body was discovered near the 176th mile of the Colorado River in the park.
Flash Floods- A Massive Hazard
Hazardous flooding recently led to the evacuation of 104 tourists and tribal members from a canyon within the park’s lands of the Havasupai Tribe. This rescue operation, conducted by the Arizona National Guard, utilized a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and was captured on video. Subsequent flash flooding was caused by monsoon storms and local authorities made the decision to temporarily close down the area to tourists and initiate subsequent emergency evacuations.
The flash floods also impacted the remote village of Supai which is located eight miles below the rim of the Grand Canyon. The Havasupai Tribal Council made the decision to cut off access to the village and Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona invoked the Arizona National Guard to aid with rescue efforts within the Havasupai Indian Reservation surrounded by the park.
There are currently no future storms predicted for the area in the coming days by meteorologists.
Post Floods- An Eyewitness Account
A couple from North Carolina shared a harrowing account of their experience while hiking within Havasupai Indian Reservation during the flash floods. With no forewarning of what was to come, they took cover in a cove as the rain began. A local man spotted them and yelled at them to move to higher ground. Sensing the urgency in his voice, they climbed up and embarked on a journey towards the nearest village.
Their intense course to safety involved crossing rivers, cutting through thorny bushes and cacti, and forming human chains. During this traumatic journey, a huge boulder crashed down directly in front of them, triggering a tree branch to fly towards them. Fortunately, both the couple came out of it unscathed and made their way to the village where they were greeted by other hikers. The couple was later evacuated to safety by the National Guard. “It did not even occur to us that we were in danger”, recalled Shruti Chopra from the couple.
The investigation into the unfortunate demise of Chenoa Nickerson is being conducted by the park service and the Coconino County’s medical examiner.