While search and rescue crews search for 15 people unaccounted for after flash flooding in the Grand Canyon, one man who was rescued recounts what he endured. Tracey Leong reports for the NBC4 News at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026.
A hiker who was airlifted Saturday night to escape flash flooding in Grand Canyon National Park captured video of what he described as a "whirlpool" of trees and other debris during the helicopter ride to safety.
At least one person had died and more than a dozen people are missing as authorities continue the search for hikers and campers after water overwhelmed parts of the park. David Gregory was visiting the park's Phantom Ranch with a friend and their two teenage sons when a park ranger ordered evacuations due to heavy rain.
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About 60 people were staying at the ranch, Gregory said.
"The side creeks were just pouring out black water into the main Colorado River," Gregory said. "And, there was also a lot of debris from the construction sites. They looked like little cabins, water coolers, all kinds of crazy stuff. And, when it was going into the Colorado River, it would look like a mini whirlpool because it was all spinning around, tons of tree branches. I mean, the Colorado River did not look at all inviting for sure."
The experienced hiker said he has visited the Grand Canyon nearly a dozen times, but never witnessed this type of flooding.
"Relieved for sure, I'm thankful we made it out," Gregory said.
The ranch and nearby areas were closed until further notice. Water also swept away bridge and damaged park facilities.
Gregory said the fast-moving water carrying debris downstream left campers in a desperate situation with just minutes to act.
"If that bridge had been taken out with the people on it, I think there would have been fatalities for sure," Gregory said.
The National Park Service is asking for information about anyone who may have been hiking or backpacking along Bright Angel Creek in Arizona, as well as campers with plans to stay at Phantom Ranch or the Bright Angel Campground. Officials are also trying to track down travelers who might have been stranded along the North Kaibab Trail.
The National Park Service said in an evening update that a 46-year-old man was recovered from Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. The Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office was at the scene, the NPS said.
