News Release

Grand Canyon National Park Reports Discovery of Deceased Individual Following Flash Flood

The confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 25, 2024

Contact: Joelle Baird, 928-606-3154

On August 25 at approximately 11:30 a.m., the body of Chenoa Nickerson, 33, from Gilbert, Arizona, was discovered by a commercial river trip near river mile 176 in the Colorado River. Park rangers responded and recovered the body, which was transported to the rim by helicopter and transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner.

Nickerson was reported missing following a flash flood that struck Havasu Canyon (river mile 157.3) on August 22. She was last seen approximately 100 yards above the confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River. The National Park Service conducted a multi-day search and rescue operation.  

An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner.  No additional information is available at this time.
 

-NPS-