A hiker has gone missing following flash flooding inside Grand Canyon National Park on Thursday afternoon, as reported by the National Park Service. The park service has initiated search and rescue operations to locate the woman who is believed to have been swept away during the flash flooding near the confluence of the Colorado River, according to a recent news release.
The missing woman has been identified as Chenoa Nickerson, a 33-year-old resident of Gilbert, Arizona. It was noted in the release that she was not wearing a life jacket when she was swept into Havasu Creek. During the flash flood on Thursday afternoon, several hikers found themselves stranded, prompting a rescue flight to be dispatched to recover them, with some located below and above Beaver Falls. However, Nickerson remains unaccounted for.
Described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, Nickerson's whereabouts are currently unknown. The National Park Service has urged anyone with information about her to reach out to the park service’s Investigative Services tip line.
Expressing hope for her safe return, Nickerson's sister, Tamara Morales, shared that the family is holding onto optimism. While Nickerson's husband was safely rescued, the search for her continues. Morales emphasized the family's unwavering love and determination to find her, urging all efforts to be concentrated on locating her safely.
In response to the emergency situation, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has activated the Arizona National Guard to provide assistance with rescue operations on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which is situated within the Grand Canyon National Park. The flooding, triggered by monsoon storms, has necessitated multiple emergency evacuations in the area.
