Chenoa Nickerson of Gilbert, Arizona, was reported missing after being swept into Havasu Creek by a flash flood while hiking near the Colorado River at Grand Canyon National Park. The 33-year-old hiker stayed overnight at a campground near Supai village on the Havasupai reservation, deep within the Grand Canyon gorge.
The area, known for its blue-green waterfalls, including Beaver Falls, experienced flooding that trapped several hikers. Some hikers made it to the village, where they awaited helicopter rides for evacuation. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs activated the National Guard to assist in the rescue operation.
Tamara Morales, the missing hiker’s sister, expressed gratitude for the rescue efforts and praised the National Park Service for their dedication in navigating treacherous terrain to find her sister.
The Havasupai Tribe’s reservation is accessible only by foot, mule, or helicopter and was closed to visitors after the flooding. Helicopter evacuations began, and rescuers searched amid towering waterfalls for any signs of the missing hiker.
The National Park Service deployed boats on the Colorado River to aid in the search, while ground teams and aerial patrols scoured the area for any trace of Nickerson. The extent of damage to campgrounds and the village was unclear due to impassable trails.
Helicopters resumed evacuations of tourists, with about 60 individuals being gradually airlifted to safety. Reservations for visitors were suspended as the tribe focused on ensuring the health and safety of both tourists and tribal members in the aftermath of the flood.
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