National Guard says Havasupai rescue was one of largest missions ever

SUPAI, AZ (AZFamily) — Arizona National Guard officials say their mission to rescue more than 100 people stuck at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, near the Supai Village, following a flash flood was one of the largest they have ever done.

Ryan and Candice Voorhees were visiting Arizona from Ohio to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary.

They say the flooding trapped them on a ledge just above the Havasupai Falls on Thursday.

“My first thought was we have to get out of here,” they said. “We were just waiting and hoping someone would come for us.”

That thought was likely going through more than 100 people’s minds as they were trapped after flash flooding hit the area.

Help did come the next day.

Gov. Katie Hobbs deployed the Arizona National Guard. A crew of five guard members used a Blackhawk helicopter to rescue those stranded.

National Guard director of communications Major Erin Hannigan was on this mission.

She says 11 people can fit in their helicopter at a time.

Their first pickup was Friday night but with little daylight left, they only rescued 44 people.

The other 60 people managed to get to Supai village until crews flew them out the following morning.

“We wanted to do whatever we could to get there as fast as possible,” Hannigan said. “As we were getting closer, we were noticing more muddy areas and more water in the area. They were taken to a landing zone that was working with the tribe and county to get them back to their vehicles. Being able to get down there and see the joy on their faces, it was humbling.”

There was a medic on board the Blackhawk to treat people for any possible injuries but there was also a crew chief on board who was actually on paternity leave when the governor called the NationalGuard for help. He says he couldn’t turn down the request to help his community.

Havasupai is closed to hikers and tourists until further notice.

A Gilbert woman died after flood waters swept her away.

The tribe says many people have asked how they can help following the effects of the flash flood.

They say their current focus is on rebuilding and repairing their community and providing supplies for their tribal members.

For more information on how to help, click here.

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