The body of Chenoa Nickerson, a 33-year-old resident of Gilbert, Arizona, was discovered on Sunday by a group of rafters navigating the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon National Park. The discovery was made around 11:30 a.m. and marked the conclusion of an extensive search effort that began following her disappearance earlier in the week. After being recovered, Nickerson's body was transported to the rim of the canyon by helicopter and subsequently transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's office for further examination.
Nickerson had been reported missing after being swept away by a flash flood in Havasu Creek, which occurred on Thursday. At the time of the flood, she was hiking about half a mile from where Havasu Creek meets the Colorado River. Unfortunately, she was not wearing a life jacket, which likely increased the difficulty of her recovery.
The flash flood had caused widespread chaos and disruption in the area. The powerful surge of water trapped several hikers both above and below Beaver Falls, one of the strikingly beautiful waterfalls that attract visitors from around the globe to the Havasupai Tribe’s reservation. The area, known for its typically stunning blue-green waters, experienced a significant transformation as the floodwaters turned the waters a muddy brown. This dramatic change was indicative of the severe conditions the region faced.
In response to the emergency, Governor Katie Hobbs activated the Arizona National Guard, deploying Blackhawk helicopters to assist in the evacuation of stranded hikers. An estimated 104 people, including both tribal members and tourists, were rescued from the vicinity of Havasupai Falls after the floodwaters rendered them stranded. The Havasupai Tribe's reservation is notoriously remote, accessible only by foot, mule, or helicopter, which presents additional challenges for rescue operations.
Nickerson's husband was among the individuals who were safely evacuated from the area. The evacuation efforts were crucial as the flood had washed away several bridges and made traditional rescue methods difficult.
In the wake of this tragedy, Nickerson's family issued a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow and gratitude to those involved in the search and rescue operations. They acknowledged the immense support from the community and the dedication of the searchers. The family requested privacy as they navigate their grief and come to terms with their loss. They also paid tribute to Nickerson's vibrant spirit and the joy she brought into their lives, pledging to honor her memory by carrying forward her legacy of love and positivity.
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