RESCUE MISSION

Missing Hiker Search Ramps Up After Grand Canyon Flash Flood

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs activated the National Guard to aid in evacuations from the flooded area.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs deployed her state’s National Guard on Saturday to aid in area evacuation efforts and help search for missing hiker Chenoa Nickerson, 33, who was swept away in a flash flood on Thursday while hiking with her husband, Andrew, near the intersection of Havasu Creek, a sacred site for the Havasupai Tribe, and the Colorado River. Nickerson’s sister, Tamara Morales, thanked the National Guard in a Facebook post for “navigating incredibly dangerous terrain with extremely limited methods of communication while leaving no stone unturned.” There is no direct road leading to the Havasupai’s tribal lands, meaning visitors must hike 10 miles through the canyons or be flown in by helicopter. “These courageous men and women are navigating incredibly dangerous terrain with extremely limited methods of communication while leaving no stone unturned,” said Morales. “We are profoundly grateful for you and fully acknowledge that you are currently defying the impossible.” A group of more than 200 hikers were also trapped near Beaver Falls following the flash flood.