Specialized Border Patrol unit joins search for last person missing after Grand Canyon flooding

A specialized Border Patrol unit joined the search for the last person still missing in the aftermath of Saturday’s deadly flash flooding at Grand Canyon National Park, officials said Tuesday.

The National Park Service is partnering with the Coconino County Search and Rescue Team and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue unit, which is better known as BORSTAR.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection fact sheet describes BORSTAR as follows:

BORSTAR provides specialized law enforcement, search and rescue response from conventional to high-risk Border Patrol Operations, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mission assignments, national search and rescue operations, national special security events and specialized training support directed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for both domestic and foreign government agencies.

About 80 people have been rescued since torrential rain caused flash flooding of Bright Angel Canyon, which flows into the Colorado River near Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Families confirm deaths of two Texas men at Grand Canyon

The bodies of two Texas men, John Giusti and Brent Rosenkranz, have been recovered, their families confirmed Monday.

They were visiting the Grand Canyon with Timothy Smith, who remains missing. The three friends planned to hike, camp, fish and explore during their trip to Arizona’s top tourist attraction.

The men spoke to their families Thursday and found their campsite at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on Friday. They have not been heard from since, the three families said in a joint statement released through a spokesperson Monday.

Grand Canyon operations limited after flash flooding

Grand Canyon National Park remains open for day use — including South Rim food and beverage services — and dry camping.

The following areas of the Grand Canyon are closed until further notice:

• Phantom Ranch
• Bright Angel Campground
• Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins
• North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch

Approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed by the flooding, officials said.

As a result, Stage 4 water restrictions went into effect on the South Rim on Monday.

Additionally, all South Rim hotels are closed to overnight guests for the foreseeable future.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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