A Texas chiropractor, Dr. John Giusti, and his hiking group are among those reported missing after a flash flood impacted a remote area of the Grand Canyon. The incident took place on August 29, according to an update from his wife.
Dr. Giusti, father of three from Granbury, Texas, was hiking and camping in the canyon when floodwaters swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. His wife has asked for prayers for his safety in a message shared by Whipple City Family Chiropractic.
The family announced that Dr. Giusti’s hiking group is included in the list of those reported missing. Search-and-rescue efforts are underway, involving ground sweeps and helicopter operations by the National Park Service.
“Please pray for Dr. John’s safety,” his wife stated.
The appeal encourages the community to keep Giusti, his hiking group, and their families in thoughts and prayers. Official updates will be released as confirmed by park authorities.
Before the flooding, Giusti shared photos of the Grand Canyon during his hiking trip on ChiroHabit’s Facebook page.
The National Park Service has not publicly identified the approximately 15 people it is working to locate or account for during the search operation. They urge individuals with knowledge of hikers or backpackers in the Bright Angel Creek corridor or who had reservations in the area on August 29 to contact investigators.
Dr. Giusti has practiced chiropractic care for nearly two decades. He previously worked with Whipple City Family Chiropractic in New York for eight years before relocating to Granbury in 2020. He and his wife, Janet, raise three daughters in Texas and Giusti enjoys various outdoor activities including hiking, hunting, and martial arts.
Aside from this incident, the National Park Service completed recovery operations for a 46-year-old individual near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. Information about the cause of death or connection to the ongoing search remains unconfirmed.
The flash flood began around 2:30 p.m. on August 29. Thus far, 62 persons have been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail with no reported injuries. All footbridges across Bright Angel Creek were destroyed by the flooding, closing access and causing the shutdown of several campgrounds and trails.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed solidarity with family members of those unaccounted for following the flood. Emergency management efforts are in coordination with the National Park Service and relevant authorities.
The public is asked to share any information about individuals who might have been in the affected corridor with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line.