COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) – Grand Canyon officials say a search is underway for a missing woman swept away by floodwaters.
According to the National Park Service, a flash flood occurred in Havasu Creek on Thursday around 1:30 p.m.
Family members said 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson and her husband were hiking in the Havasupai region when the flash flood struck, separating the couple.
Several hikers were stranded in the area, and authorities said Nickerson was swept into Havasu Creek about a half-mile above the Colorado River.
She wasn’t wearing a life jacket.
Family members said Nickerson’s husband was later found by rafters.
Nickerson is described as a woman who is 5’8″ tall and weighs about 180 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and tattoos.
Anyone with information on Nickerson’s whereabouts is asked to call the National Park Service hotline at 888-653-0009.
The Havasupai Tribe’s tourism office said the Supai area would be closed until Sunday. The tribal council asked anyone with reservations not to come as no one will be allowed into the area.
The Supai area provides access to the popular swimming area of Havasu Falls.
“If you hear the flood approaching or are caught in a rainstorm, immediately climb to higher ground and wait for the water to subside. Do not enter the narrow part of the canyon, as you may not be able to climb over the canyon walls in the event of unexpected flooding,” the tribe’s tourism office said.
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