A specialized Border Patrol unit is now assisting in the search for a hiker who remains missing in the Grand Canyon following flash floods that claimed two lives and prompted the evacuation of dozens of visitors over the weekend.
John Guisti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, were both killed in the flooding, their families confirmed on Tuesday. The two had arrived at the canyon on Friday to hike and fish alongside a third companion, Timothy Smith, 53, who is still unaccounted for.
The Border Patrol's technical search team will join National Park Service crews as they comb the rugged terrain, but another round of severe weather is complicating the operation. Forecasters warn that heavy rain and thunderstorms could trigger additional flash flooding, along with debris flows and rockfalls, making conditions hazardous for both searchers and anyone else in the canyon.
Authorities are also deploying a drone operated by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, equipped to detect Bluetooth signals from electronic devices, in hopes of locating Smith. Rangers have cross-referenced camping permits and vehicle registrations to account for others who may have been in the area when the floodwaters surged. Officials said Monday they have no indication that anyone besides Smith remains missing.
Nearly 80 people have been rescued since Saturday's floods, including visitors who were trapped at a lodge near the canyon floor—a location accessible only on foot or via the Colorado River. The rescue efforts have been complicated by the remote nature of the terrain and the ongoing threat of storms.
The National Weather Service noted that several rounds of rain had already saturated creeks before a fresh wave of storms triggered the flooding. Flash floods are a known hazard in the Grand Canyon during Arizona's summer monsoon season, when intense thunderstorms can unleash heavy rain on steep, narrow canyons with little warning.
Adding to the risk, rain has fallen over part of the burn scar left by the Dragon Bravo wildfire, which scorched more than 227 square miles last year. Burned areas are especially prone to flash flooding because the vegetation that typically slows runoff has been destroyed, allowing water to rush downhill with greater speed and force.
The search comes amid broader concerns about flash flood dangers in the region, echoing similar incidents elsewhere. In a separate event, nearly 90 Americans are missing after flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, underscoring the global risks posed by such extreme weather events.
As the operation continues, officials are urging visitors to heed weather warnings and avoid narrow canyons during monsoon season. The Border Patrol team brings specialized skills in technical rope rescue and high-angle operations, which are critical for navigating the canyon's steep cliffs and treacherous waterways.
The search for Smith remains a top priority, but the unpredictable weather is forcing crews to balance urgency with safety. More storms are forecast in the coming days, and authorities are prepared to pause operations if conditions become too dangerous.
