SUPAI, Ariz. — A Gilbert woman died after roaring flood waters struck parts of the Grand Canyon on Thursday. Now, her family wants to give back to the men and women who recovered her body and brought her home.
Chenoa Nickerson, 33, was hiking with her husband near Havasu Creek on Thursday when the couple was swept away by the flash flood. Her husband was able to be rescued by rafters, but Nickerson went missing in the Colorado River.
Search and rescue crews looked for Nickerson for three days. Her body was found 20 miles downriver on Sunday.
"The only thing that we want is Chenoa's memory to live on forever, and knowing her heart and what she would want, I think it's a perfect way to pay it forward to the men and women of the search and rescue and other first responders that helped locate her body," said Janosh Wolters, Nickerson's brother.
The family is raising money for the National Park Service Search and Rescue in Nickerson's honor.
"The search and rescue operations are historically underfunded. Not only just the search and rescue, but other first responders often need new equipment and more funds for training, developing new technology and things like that," Wolters said. "So, we don't see a better way to honor Chenoa with her giving heart than to give back and make sure that they have what they need moving forward so that they can help future operations."
Nickerson's siblings said they're incredibly grateful to the people who navigated the dangerous terrain to find their sister.
"We could tell that they were doing everything they could and they did an amazing job with keeping us informed of the situation," Wolters said.
If people can't donate money, the family asks that people send thank you cards to the Grand Canyon National Park Search and Rescue team.
Their address is: Grand Canyon National Park PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
"We understand that maybe not everyone can donate, but maybe you guys can write a card and just say thank you for helping basically our family in this tragic time and for finding her," Wolters said.
The family further asks that people remember their sister by simply spending some time outside.
"Go outside and enjoy the sunshine and be one with nature and think about Chenoa, she would love that," Wolters said.
Wolters told 12News his sister will be remembered most for her smile and passion for traveling the world.
"I think Chenoa, we all agree, that she has the most bubbly personality. She's always happy," Wolters said. "I think it brought her joy to encompass other cultures and just explore the world."
Anyone who wishes to donate to the GoFundMe page, can click here.