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SUPAI, AZ – The body of 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson, who went missing after a flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park, was recovered on Sunday, according to park rangers. Nickerson, from Gilbert, Arizona, was swept into Havasu Creek on Thursday afternoon and had been missing for several days before her body was discovered by a group rafting down the Colorado River around 11:30 a.m.
Nickerson was hiking near Havasu Creek, approximately half a mile from its confluence with the Colorado River, when the flash flood struck. Tragically, she was not wearing a life jacket at the time. Her body was recovered by park rangers and transported by helicopter to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s office.
The flash flood, which occurred Thursday around 1:30 p.m., also trapped several hikers in the area near Beaver Falls, a popular destination known for its striking blue-green waterfalls. More than 100 people, including Nickerson’s husband, were safely evacuated from the area by Arizona National Guard helicopters, which had been deployed by Governor Katie Hobbs to assist in the rescue efforts.
The Havasupai Tribe’s reservation, known for its breathtaking waterfalls, is prone to sudden flooding, which can transform the usually pristine waters into a dangerous, fast-moving torrent. This tragic event has underscored the potential hazards of hiking in such remote and flood-prone areas.
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of caution when visiting areas susceptible to flash floods, especially during monsoon season.