Human Remains Found in Grand Canyon Flood Search
Human Remains Found in Grand Canyon Flood Search
The News
Grand Canyon National Park rangers recovered human remains on Sept. 14 near Crystal Rapid on the Colorado River, weeks after deadly flash flooding tore through the canyon.
The remains were found about 10 miles downstream from Phantom Ranch and turned over to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office in Flagstaff for an autopsy.
The National Park Service said the identity, cause and manner of death were not immediately known. Officials have not confirmed whether the remains belong to Timothy Allen Smith, 53, the hiker missing since Aug. 29.
Timeline
Flash flooding hits the Grand Canyon, killing two hikers and leaving Timothy Allen Smith, 53, missing. About 80 people are rescued from the canyon during the flooding.
Park officials recover human remains near Crystal Rapid on the Colorado River, roughly 10 miles downstream from Phantom Ranch, during the continuing search.
The Park Service announces the find and says the remains have been transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.
Reactions
Carrie Smith, the missing hiker's wife, wrote on Facebook that she was aware remains had been found and asked people "to be considerate of those handling the situation."
The Park Service said it could not say who the remains belong to until the medical examiner completes its work.
What's Next
The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the identity of the person and how they died. The office told CNN it is working closely with the Park Service on the case.
Anyone with information is asked to call the medical examiner's office at 928-679-8775.
More
The stretch of inner gorge where the remains were found is reachable mainly by river or by closed backcountry routes, which complicates recovery work and slows searches.
The Numbers
Two hikers killed in the Aug. 29 flooding. One hiker, Smith, still unaccounted for. About 80 people rescued from the canyon. Remains found roughly 10 miles downstream from Phantom Ranch.
Poll
Should the Park Service restrict canyon access during flash-flood season?
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