Crews are tirelessly searching for a missing Arizona woman swept away by a flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park. The search for Chenoa Nickerson, 33, from Gilbert, Arizona, entered its third day on Sunday. She was hiking near Havasu Creek when the flash flood struck, pulling her into the rushing waters.
Nickerson’s husband and more than 100 others were safely evacuated, but she remains missing. The National Park Service, the Arizona National Guard, and local authorities continue combing the area by air, ground, and water. Nickerson was last seen without a lifejacket at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Family Holds On to Hope
Chenoa Nickerson’s family remains hopeful despite the passing days. Her sister, Tamara Morales, urged people on social media not to lose hope. “Chenoa Nickerson is still missing, but she will be found,” Morales wrote. Attempts to locate her through her Apple Watch have been unsuccessful, further complicating the search.
Flash Flood Causes Widespread Evacuations
The flash flood that swept away the Arizona woman has also caused widespread disruption. The floodwaters trapped several hikers and tourists along Havasu Creek, a popular spot for its stunning blue-green waterfalls. Tourists flock to this remote location to witness the beauty of Havasupai Falls. However, the flash flood turned the iconic waterfalls into dangerous, chocolate-brown torrents.
Governor Katie Hobbs activated the Arizona National Guard to assist with evacuations. The National Guard’s Blackhawk helicopters airlifted stranded hikers from the village of Supai, near Havasupai Falls. By Friday afternoon, all those requesting evacuation had been safely transported out.
Havasupai Tribe Shuts Down Tourism Indefinitely
The Havasupai Tribe has since closed the area to tourism indefinitely. The tribe needs time to assess the damage caused by the flash flood. According to a tribal spokesperson, they are evaluating the impact on trails, campgrounds, and tribal buildings. The Havasupai reservation is one of the most remote areas in the continental United States, accessible only by foot, mule, or helicopter.
Tourists who had booked trips to see the falls are now in limbo. The tribe has not yet announced when the area will reopen. Havasupai officials are also undecided on how to handle cancellations or potential refunds for affected reservations.
Challenges in the Search for the Missing Arizona Woman
The search for the Arizona woman missing in the Grand Canyon is challenging. The rugged terrain and the force of the flash flood make rescue operations dangerous. Rescuers have focused on the confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River. Helicopters, ground teams, and motorized boats are all part of the search.
The flash flood has left its mark on the area, with bridges washed away and trails destroyed. The difficult conditions only add to the urgency of finding Chenoa Nickerson. Her family and the search crews are determined to continue the search until she is found.
Impact on the Local Community
The local Havasupai community is also feeling the effects of the flash flood. The floodwaters stranded an estimated 104 tribal members and tourists. The Havasupai Falls area, a significant source of revenue for the tribe through tourism, now faces an uncertain future. The tribe’s decision to close the area indefinitely will have economic implications.
Local authorities and the National Park Service are collaborating closely with the tribe. The goal is to restore safety and access to the area while continuing the search for the missing Arizona woman.
A Call for Information
Authorities urge anyone with information on the missing Arizona woman to come forward. Chenoa Nickerson is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs about 190 pounds, her eyes are blue and she has brown hair. The National Park Service has set up a hotline for tips and information related to her disappearance.
The search for the Arizona woman missing after the Grand Canyon flash flood continues. As rescue teams work tirelessly, the community and her family remain hopeful for a positive outcome. The rugged beauty of Havasupai Falls now serves as a sad reminder of the power of nature.
Conclusion
The search for Chenoa Nickerson, the Arizona woman missing in the Grand Canyon, is a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature. While the focus remains on finding her, the broader impact on the Havasupai community and tourism in the area is profound. As the search continues, the story of the Arizona woman missing after the flash flood serves as a call for caution and respect for the natural world.
