GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — The search for a missing Grand Canyon hiker has entered another difficult stage as loved ones continue holding onto hope more than a week after a devastating flash flood swept through the canyon.

Timothy Allen Smith, 53, a pilot and father of three, has not been found since he and two friends were caught in the catastrophic flooding during their trip.

For Smith’s family, the search has become an agonizing wait filled with uncertainty.

“The search and rescue teams are working long, hard, hot days to look for him,” his wife, Carrie Smith, wrote on Facebook Tuesday, Sept. 8.

She described the past nine days as the hardest days her family has endured, while expressing gratitude for the continued efforts of rescuers and the support surrounding the family.

Smith had been expected to return from his three-week trip on Wednesday, Sept. 9. His family had even planned to celebrate his birthday when he came home. Instead, they are still waiting for news.

Family Holds Onto Hope

Carrie has continued sharing updates as search teams work through difficult conditions in the canyon.

“We continue to feel God through our traffic situation as we continue to hear the same thing day after day, no news today,” she wrote.

She said her family has relied on faith and the support of others as the search continues.

“You can ask any of my kids and they will tell you God is furthering His kingdom and He isn’t done using our family yet (because Daddy isn’t home),” Carrie added.

The family has also expressed gratitude toward the search-and-rescue personnel working to bring Smith home. Their focus remains on the search, even as each day without answers becomes increasingly difficult.

Heavy Equipment and Dog Team Join Search

In an update shared Wednesday, Sept. 9, Carrie said search crews had set all the big equipment in place to begin moving large debris at the bottom of the canyon.

She also said another dog team was being prepared to join the search.

The additional equipment and canine resources represent the latest efforts to search areas that may be difficult to reach or obscured by debris following the flash flood.

Search crews have continued working in challenging terrain and conditions as they try to locate Smith. For his loved ones, every new search effort represents another opportunity to finally bring him home.

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Two Friends Found Dead After Flash Flood

While Smith remains missing, authorities and family representatives have identified the two friends who were with him during the trip. One of them was John Giusti, 46, a chiropractor from Texas. Whipple City Family Chiropractic confirmed his death in a statement.

“We are heartbroken to make this update,” the business said. “Dr. John was one of the victims of the Grand Canyon flooding.”

The second hiker was identified as Brent Rosenkrantz, 42, a martial arts studio owner, according to reports.

Rosenkrantz was remembered as a loving husband, father and teacher. Hannah Barricks, who is representing the families, also described him as a hero to her son. The recovery of both men’s bodies has brought devastating confirmation to their families while the search for Smith continues.

Three Friends Began Grand Canyon Trip Together

The three hikers began their trip on Friday, Aug. 28. They had planned to spend two nights exploring the Grand Canyon and fishing before continuing toward Havasupai Gardens and eventually completing their trek.

The trip instead turned into a deadly emergency after the flash flood struck. The families have publicly thanked the rescuers and everyone who has supported them throughout the ordeal.

“Our families are profoundly grateful to the search-and-rescue personnel working to bring our loved ones home and to everyone who has prayed for us, reached out, offered help and surrounded our families with love,” the families previously said through a liaison.

As crews continue moving debris and expanding the search, Smith’s loved ones are still waiting for the answer they desperately want: to know where he is and bring him home.

What do you think about the continued search for Timothy Smith? Share your thoughts and messages of support for his family in the comments.