Third hiker found in Grand Canyon

Human remains discovered this week in the Grand Canyon were identified as Timothy Allen Smith, fifty-three, a pilot from Star Valley in western Wyoming.

Death toll rises to three

Smith's discovery brings the death toll to three from flash flooding that devastated the Phantom Ranch area at the canyon bottom in late August.

Where Smith was found

Smith's remains were found Monday near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River that runs through the canyon. His two companions, Brent Rosenkranz, forty-two, and John Giusti, forty-six, both of Granbury, Texas, were found earlier.

The hiking trip that turned deadly

The three men were on a multiday hiking, fishing and camping trip when flooding swept through. They planned two nights exploring trails near the canyon bottom before moving to Havasupai Gardens and finishing their hike.

Wife confirms Smith's identity

Carrie Smith confirmed on Thursday that the remains had been identified as her husband's. She wrote that the family had been waiting three weeks, hoping Tim would come home.

“We no longer have to wait, Tim was found two days ago by the Rangers at Grand Canyon National Park.”

Why the flooding was so severe

The flooding began August twenty-ninth during monsoon season. Rain fell on a burn area left by a lightning-caused wildfire in July twenty twenty-five. Burn areas worsen flash flooding because there is less vegetation to absorb runoff.

Ongoing damage and recovery efforts

The flooding damaged a pipeline supplying water to the South Rim. Many hiking trails and lodging areas remain closed. Another flash flood hit the canyon Wednesday with no injuries reported, and damage assessments are underway.