Remains identified as missing Grand Canyon hiker

Human remains recovered last week along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park have been identified as Timothy Allen Smith, the last hiker missing following the August 29 flash flood.

Remnants of a footbridge stand along Bright Angel Creek after the August 29 flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park. The flood killed three hikers, including Timothy Allen Smith, whose remains were identified last week. NPS photo / J. Thompson.

Smith, 53, of Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming, was identified by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. His remains were recovered September 14, near Crystal Rapid, about 10 miles downstream from Phantom Ranch.

Smith was hiking with friends John Giusti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, both of Granbury, Texas, when floodwaters swept through Bright Angel Canyon. The bodies of Giusti and Rosenkranz were recovered shortly after the flood.

As previously reported in the SUN, more than 80 people were evacuated from the inner canyon after the flooding damaged trails, bridges, campgrounds and the Transcanyon Waterline.

Smith’s identification brings the confirmed death toll from the August 29 flood to three. The National Park Service thanked search teams and partner agencies for their work during the weekslong search and recovery effort.