Father-of-three, 46, confirmed dead after Grand Canyon floods that have killed at least one other victim, with 13 still missing

A Texas chiropractor and father-of-three has been confirmed dead after devastating flash floods swept through the Grand Canyon.

John Giusti, 46, is one of the two victims emergency services have recovered so far, family members announced in a GoFundMe campaign.

Giusti was living out ‘a lifetime dream exploring the majesty of the Grand Canyon when tragedy struck,’ said his wife, Janet. 

‘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,’ his wife added. 

Giusti shared photos on Friday showing himself smiling against scenic canyon backdrops during the hike.

He had worked as a chiropractor for 19 years and was previously a partner at Whipple City Family Chiropractic in New York, according to his business profile. He later moved to Texas and 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. 

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. The Daily Mail 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.

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. 

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.

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.