A Texas chiropractor has been identified as one of at least two people killed in a major flash flood that swept through the Grand Canyon over the weekend, with two other hikers remaining missing, family members said Monday.
John Giusti and his companions had planned to spend two nights at the bottom of the canyon fishing and exploring. The group last spoke to their families Thursday and found their campsite Friday. They have not been heard from since, according to a joint statement released by the three families on Monday.
Searchers on the ground and in the air continue to look for Brent Rosenkranz and Timothy Smith, the families said.
Rescue crews searching for missing people have found at least two bodies since the flood struck. Officials said Monday night that one person remains missing after approximately 80 others were rescued over the weekend.
About 50 hikers were safely airlifted out of the area, according to local media reports. A number of trails were closed as a safety precaution following the flooding.
Dan Evans, a hiker who was airlifted from the Grand Canyon after the flood, said the approaching water "sounded like a train." Evans had been hiking down from the north rim and reached Bright Angel Creek mid-morning on Saturday, where he was eventually evacuated by helicopter along with other campers.
The flooding affected Bright Angel Canyon within Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Forecasters warned Monday that more flooding was possible as heavy rain continued to shroud the canyon walls.