Remains of Final Missing Hiker Recovered at Grand Canyon After Deadly Flash Floods

Searchers recovered human remains in the Grand Canyon this week, identifying them as Timothy Allen Smith, the last hiker missing after deadly flash flooding in late August. His wife, Carrie Smith, confirmed the discovery on Thursday, bringing the total fatalities from the disaster to three.

Smith, a 53-year-old pilot from Star Valley, Wyoming, was found near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River on Monday. His remains were discovered alongside those of his companions, Brent Rosenkranz, 42, and John Giusti, 46, both from Granbury, Texas, who had been identified earlier.

The trio was on a multi-day camping, hiking, and fishing expedition in the backcountry when the sudden waters hit. According to family statements, they had planned to spend two nights near the canyon floor before continuing to Havasupai Gardens, a common waypoint for travelers using the Bright Angel Trail.

During the two-day deluge, rescue teams utilized night-vision technology and cross-referenced national park permit records with vehicle license plates to locate individuals in distress. More than 80 people were successfully rescued during the operation.

In the days following the initial floods, only Smith remained unaccounted for. His wife shared messages of gratitude to supporters on social media while awaiting news. On Tuesday, she posted that the family had been informed a body was found and requested prayers. By Thursday, she confirmed that the remains belonged to her husband.

“My family has done a lot of waiting over the last three weeks… We no longer have to wait, Tim was found two days ago by the Rangers at Grand Canyon National Park,” Carrie Smith wrote. “Not in the way we had hoped, but we know that he was doing something he loved with John and Brent.” She added that the men were known for their faith and positive impact on others.

The flooding originated on August 29 during the summer monsoon season. Heavy rains fell on a burn scar left by a lightning-caused wildfire in July 2025, which had destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and surrounding structures. The absence of vegetation in burned areas typically exacerbates flash flooding by reducing the ground’s ability to absorb runoff.

The events caused significant damage to a pipeline supplying water to the South Rim, disrupting services for millions of visitors and residents. Consequently, all overnight lodging in the canyon was suspended while repairs were assessed. National Park Service officials recently indicated that a reliable water supply should be restored within weeks rather than months, noting that most of a nearly completed pipeline project escaped serious damage.

Several hiking trails and lodging areas remain closed, and water has been shut off in the inner canyon. Park authorities have advised hikers to carry their own water or filtration devices. Additionally, another flash flood struck along Bright Angel Creek and the Colorado River on Wednesday. No injuries were reported, and officials credited pre-storm preparations and warning systems for keeping personnel safe. Damage assessments are currently underway.