Body of Missing Grand Canyon Hiker Found After Flash Floods
The National Park Service confirmed on Sunday the recovery of a woman who went missing during a devastating flash flood in the Grand Canyon. Chenoa Nickerson, 33, was found dead by a commercial river trip on the Colorado River.
The hiker’s body was recovered by helicopter and subsequently transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Park Service, together with the medical examiner’s office, are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Flash Flood Turns Hiking Trip Tragic
While hiking in the Havasu Canyon on Thursday, Nickerson became caught in the middle of a catastrophic flash flood. This natural disaster took not only tourists but local residents of the Havasupai Indian Reservation by surprise. Arizona’s Governor mobilized the state’s National Guard along with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to aid the area on Friday, following a request from the Havasupai Tribal Council. The severity of the flood led to the evacuation of a total of 104 people, encompassing tourists as well as Havasupai locals from the area.
In response to the extensive damage from the flood, the Havasupai Council has indefinitely closed the trails leading to their namesake campsite and waterfalls.
The Final Moments Before Tragedy
Nickerson was last seen at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday near the Colorado River Confluence, where the Havasu Creek meets the larger river. As per the Park Service, she was seen getting pulled into the fast-moving waters of the creek without a life jacket. Nickerson’s body was eventually discovered 19 miles from the confluence.
“We regret to inform you that our dear Chenoa has been found, no longer with us,” the grieving family of the hiker shared in a statement. “Our hearts are weighed down with profound sorrow.”
Call for Continued Awareness and Safety
These unfortunate events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions that nature can present, particularly in the form of flash floods. Tourists and local residents alike are encouraged to stay abreast of local weather conditions and heed all warnings and guidelines provided by local authorities and park services. A flash flood can strike with little warning, swiftly turning serene landscapes into hazardous terrains, as exemplified by the tragic loss of Chenoa Nickerson.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
