A North Texas man who went hiking in the Grand Canyon over the weekend has died while rescuers continue searching for his two missing friends. According to the National Park Service, search and rescue efforts are ongoing for at least 15 people believed to have been swept away by high water in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas. The North Texas men were believed to be among those who were unaccounted for after deadly flash flooding in the Grand Canyon claimed the lives of at least two people. The families of Dr. John Giusti, Brent Rosenkranz and Timoth Smith said they were “grateful for the outpouring of prayers, concern and support following the flash flood in the Grand Canyon on Saturday,” but confirmed Monday afternoon the heartbreaking news that Giusti had died. The families said Rosenkranz and Smith remain missing and search and rescue efforts are ongoing by air and on the ground. “We ask that you continue praying for Brent and Tim, for everyone searching for them, and for all of the families affected by this tragedy,” the families said. In a joint statement Monday afternoon, the families said the men had been “eagerly anticipating” their trip to the Grand Canyon and planned to hike to Bright Angel Campground and spend two days fishing and exploring nearby trails before continuing on to Havasupai Gardens. They said they last spoke with the men on Thursday night and that they were excited and looking forward to beginning their trip the next morning. The families said they knew the trio had reached the campground and had gone hiking on Saturday. Giusti posted photos of himself on Thursday with the caption “Day One. Arrived at the Grand Canyon.” A Facebook post by Rosenkranz on the same day included a photo and he tagged Giusti and said they were hiking together. The families of the three men shared a little about each of them. Those statements are included unedited below: Dr. John Giusti John was a husband, devoted father of three daughters and chiropractor whose family describes him as a real-life superhero. He poured himself into helping others and brought tremendous energy to everything he loved. He was an avid runner, loved fast cars and was a passionate fan of comic books and their legendary heroes. But among all the roles John carried, his family says his favorite was being a father. Exploring the Grand Canyon was a longtime dream for John. “To the community, he was a gifted healer. To his friends, a powerhouse of life. To his daughters, he was their ultimate hero. To me, he was my whole world,” his wife, Janet Giusti, said. The Giusti family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers and support surrounding them as they grieve this unimaginable loss. John Giusti, in a photo shared from the Grand Canyon on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2026. The photo was sent the evening before the group began its hike. Giusti took the photograph himself after arriving at the Grand Canyon and sent it to his wife, Janet. Brent Rosenkranz Brent Rosenkranz, 42, of Granbury, Texas, is a husband, father of three sons and lifelong martial artist who has dedicated much of his life to teaching and mentoring young people. Brent and his wife, Elisha, have been married for 21 years. His family describes him as energetic, optimistic and deeply devoted to his family. As an ATA martial arts instructor and school owner, Brent has made an impact on generations of students, but his family says the role he prizes most is simply being there for the people he loves. That instinct extends far beyond his immediate family. Brent is a loving uncle known for taking young people under his wing when they need someone, and at church he has even earned a particularly affectionate reputation: “the baby whisperer.” Brent Rosenkranz, in a selfie photo shared from the Grand Canyon on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2026, leading up to the group’s descent. The Rosenkranz family selected this photograph for media use. Timoth Allen Smith Timothy Allen Smith, 53, was born and raised in Granbury, Texas, and now lives in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming. He is a husband, father of three, NetJets pilot and member of Emmanuel Bible Church in Thayne, Wyoming. Tim and his wife, Carrie, have been married for 18 years. Carrie describes Tim as someone who loves the outdoors, exploring and helping others. Hiking and camping with his family are among the things he loves most. Tim entered the Grand Canyon with his friends John and Brent for what was intended to be several days of hiking, camping, fishing and exploring together. Timothy Allen Smith Whipple City Family Chiropractic in New York posted a message on Facebook on Sunday from Giusti’s wife, Janet, saying he was hiking in the Grand Canyon when a flash flood swept through the area where he was camping with two friends. According to his online biography, Giusti was a partner at Whipple City for 12 years before relocating to Granbury and opening Chirohabit. “Dr. John is the heart of ChiroHabit, but above all, he is a deeply loved husband, father, and pillar of our family,” said John’s wife, Janet. “​We ask our ChiroHabit community to please lift up my husband, his hiking group, and our families in your thoughts and prayers during this time.” The New York chiropractic office said in the post that they will be taking donations for the Giusti family. The flash flood caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the inner canyon, the Associated Press reports. Park services are working to identify the remaining missing Grand Canyon visitors and backpackers. Officials said nearly all footbridges along Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating hiker access. First responders reported evacuating more than 60 people to safety by helicopter. Grand Canyon flooding Flooding 7 hours ago Grand Canyon search continues for 15 missing after flash flood destruction, two deaths Flooding 9 hours ago Texans among missing following Grand Canyon flash flood Natural Disasters Aug 30 At least 1 dead, more than a dozen missing at Grand Canyon after extreme flash flooding This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less