Body found near Colorado River after devastating Grand Canyon flooding

August 30, 2026

A 46-year-old man’s body was recovered Sunday near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River after deadly flash flooding swept through the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon. Dozens have been rescued and 62 people were airlifted from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail by Sunday morning, but around 15 remained unaccounted for as of Sunday evening.

The flood caused extensive damage in Bright Angel Canyon and the inner canyon—destroying nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek, damaging trails and utilities, and washing debris into the Colorado River, which is now closed to river traffic. In response, the National Park Service has closed overnight hotel accommodations, imposed Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim due to a damaged waterline, and is asking anyone with information about missing hikers in the Bright Angel Creek corridor to contact investigators. AZ Family