A Gilbert, Arizona, woman is still missing after flash floods struck Havasu Creek inside Grand Canyon National Park while she hiked there this week.
The flooding began at around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, stranding several hikers, including Chenoa Nickerson, 33. She remained missing as of Friday. She was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the flooding, park officials said.
“We remain hopeful that she will be found safely. Her husband, Andrew, has been rescued and is safe. We love her very much and are not giving up on her,” Ms. Nickerson’s sister Tamara Morales told Phoenix ABC affiliate KNXV-TV.
In the interim, the Havasupai, who operate tourism just outside the national park, closed the trail into the village of Supai through Sunday. The Indian tribe is helping evacuate tourists and hikers affected by the flooding, per a post on Facebook.
“We had to cross a lot of water crossings. A lot of the bridges washed out, but we made it back. The tribe let us stay inside one of their buildings,” stranded hiker Latricia Mimbs told Phoenix Fox affiliate KSAZ-TV. As of Friday night, over 100 people still needed to be airlifted out of the Grand Canyon.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs activated the Arizona National Guard to assist in evacuating other people affected by the flash floods.
“My heart is with all of the people impacted by the flooding in Havasupai, including tribal members and visitors, to the area. … I’ll continue working closely with leaders on the ground to protect the Havasupai community,” Ms. Hobbs told KPHO-TV.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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