- Three friends — John Giusti, 46, Brent Rosenkranz, 42, and Timothy Allen Smith, 53 — set out on a four-day hike of over 30 miles to the banks of a creek, planning to spend two nights exploring trails near the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
- The National Park Service confirmed the deaths of Giusti and Rosenkranz after the flash flood, while Smith remains missing.
- Rescue efforts evacuated more than 80 people from the area, with helicopters joining within an hour and a scent detection canine team and specialized drone unit now part of the search for Smith.
- Rosenkranz's wife, Elisha Rosenkranz, confirmed his death and described him as a martial arts instructor and school owner who dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring young people.
- Giusti was described as a husband, devoted father of three daughters and chiropractor whose family calls him a real-life superhero.
- Smith's wife, Carrie, appeared in a Facebook video with their three children to confirm he is still missing, and his family said he was a private pilot with NetJets and a member of Emmanuel Bible Church in Thayne, Wyoming.
A significant flash-flood event struck the Grand Canyon on August 29, beginning around 2:30 p.m., leading to the tragic deaths of hikers Brent Rosenkranz and John Giusti, while Timothy Allen Smith remains missing.45
The hikers had embarked on a four-day trek, eagerly anticipating their adventure. According to family statements, they planned to camp near a creek and explore the canyon's trails.
The storm unleashed torrents of rock and mud, burying trails, washing out bridges, and forcing people to flee for safety.
“It is with a broken heart that I share the passing of my husband, Brent Rosenkranz, while on his final adventure,” his wife, Elisha Rosenkranz, posted on Facebook. Rosenkranz, a martial arts instructor and father of three, was remembered for his dedication to mentoring young people.910
Giusti, described by his family as a “real-life superhero,” was a devoted father of three daughters and a chiropractor.11
In an emotional video, Smith’s wife, Carrie, confirmed that he is still missing, stating, “our dad, our husband is one of the one’s still missing.”1213
The search for Smith continues, with National Park Service helicopters and a specialized drone unit deployed to assist. A scent detection canine team has also joined the effort.
More than 80 people were safely evacuated during the incident, highlighting the storm's severity and the swift response of rescue teams.678
“The victims were identified as John Giusti, a chiropractor and father of three, and Brent Rosenkranz, a martial arts instructor and school owner. Timothy Allen Smith, a private pilot with NetJets, remains missing, with a scent detection canine team and drone unit now aiding the search.”
