Arizona Woman’s Disappearance in Havasu Canyon: Body Discovered Downstream After Flash Flood

Chenoa Nickerson, 33, was discovered deceased three days after being carried away by a flash flood in Havasu Canyon, Arizona, on August 22, as reported by National Park authorities.

Nickerson was with her husband when the flood struck. Fortunately, her husband was rescued by a group of rafters, but Nickerson went missing shortly thereafter.

After an extensive search operation, crews located her body about 20 miles downstream from her last known location, at river mile 176 on the Colorado River. This information was confirmed by the National Parks Service.

The body was discovered at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, following which park rangers recovered it. A helicopter transported her remains to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nickerson’s death is underway, being conducted by both the National Parks Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. Further details have yet to be released.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Nickerson’s family expressed their grief. “Our search for our sister, Chenoa Nickerson (née Wolters) has come to an end. Our hearts are heavy with grief,” they stated. They conveyed profound gratitude to the National Park Service’s Search and Rescue team for their relentless efforts during this difficult time.

More than 100 individuals required airlift assistance from the Arizona National Guard due to the flooding. In response, the Havasupai Tribal Council announced indefinite closures of the trail to Havasu Canyon, Havasupai Campground, and Havasu Falls.

Additional updates from Grand Canyon National Park regarding the incident are anticipated.