A Texas chiropractor and father of three has died after powerful flash floods tore through the Grand Canyon, his family has confirmed.
John Giusti, 46, was identified by relatives as one of two victims recovered so far by emergency crews, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for his family.
His wife, Janet, said Giusti had been fulfilling “a lifetime dream” by exploring the grandeur of the Grand Canyon when the disaster unfolded.
“While our grief is as vast and profound as the canyon itself, we find a small comfort in knowing he spent his final moments surrounded by breathtaking beauty, living life to the fullest,” she wrote.
Just a day before the tragedy, Giusti had posted photos of himself smiling along the trail, framed by the canyon’s sweeping views and rugged landscape.
Giusti spent 19 years working as a chiropractor. His business profile says he was previously a partner at Whipple City Family Chiropractic in New York before relocating to Texas, where he later worked at ChiroHabit in Indian Harbor.
“John was a real-life superhero to everyone blessed enough to know him. As a dedicated chiropractor, he truly lived to treat and heal, pouring his soul into helping others move through the world with strength and comfort,” his wife said.
“To his daughters, he was their ultimate hero. To me, he was my whole world,” she added.
Dr John Giusti, 46, has been confirmed dead by family members launched a GoFundMe campaign. Giusi uploaded this photo of himself at the canyon to Facebook on Friday
‘The Giusti family is facing an unimaginable loss after John Giusti passed away in the flash floods of the Grand Canyon on Saturday August 29th, 2026,’ reads the fundraiser
Giusti had worked as a chiropractor for 19 years, trained martial arts and was preparing to run a marathon
He and Janet were raising their three daughters in Granbury, Texas. An avid outdoorsman, Giusti also trained in martial arts and was preparing to run a marathon.
Giusti was last in contact with relatives at around 2pm on Saturday, shortly before the flooding began, his sister told the New York Times. As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe has raised around $700.
Park officials said that the body of a 46-year-old man was found on Sunday, before a second body was recovered on Monday. Neither victim has been formally identified, and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the deaths. Our News Outlet has contacted the office for comment.
More than a dozen others remain missing, as authorities warned that forecast weather conditions could hamper ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
And while no information about the missing has been shared by officials, loved ones have taken to social media to provide updates about loved ones who were in the area at the time.
Officials said a second body has been recovered after severe flash flooding hit the Grand Canyon
Officials are still searching for about 13 hikers, who are believed to have been trekking on routes near the Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of the national park
Over 62 people were evacuated on Saturday amid the flooding
Darlene Atchison posted on Facebook asking for prayers for the safe return of her son-in-law, Tim Smith.
‘Our family needs prayers for our wonderful son-in-law, Tim Smith and family,’ wrote Atchison. ‘Tim and two friends arrived at the Grand Canyon National Park but were caught in the flash flooding that swept through the Bright Angel Canyon Saturday afternoon.’
Some 62 others were evacuated from the park amid the flooding.
Park officials have asked anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek or had campground reservations in the area on the day the floods struck to contact the agency’s Investigative Services Branch.
Darlene Atchison took to Facebook asking for prayers for the return of her son in law, Tim Smith (pictured center)
Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed in the devastating floods, preventing pedestrians from crossing the flooded area.
The flooding also knocked out the sole water pipeline that serves tourists and residents at the national park.
Beginning Monday, tourists will no longer be able to stay overnight at lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon National Park. The park is also asking year-round residents to conserve water.
‘These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources,’ the park said in a statement.
About half an inch to an inch of rain fell within just half an hour in the rocky area, where there is a steep drop in elevation, National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow said.
‘Most of it ran off instantly,’ he added.
Debris is seen being taken downstream during the flash flooding
Videos from the Grand Canyon showed mudslides tearing through the landscape as hikers filmed from a suspended bridge above.
Large mounds of debris could also be seen floating in the muddy water.
