Woman Attacked While Hiking Near Havasupai Falls
A New York woman, Alexis Rowan, was attacked and had her throat cut while hiking near Havasupai Falls, close to the Grand Canyon. She was reportedly asking a man for directions when he assaulted her with a knife and physically…
Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 23, 2026 —
An unprovoked assault occurred near Havasupai Falls, a popular hiking destination close to the Grand Canyon, resulting in a New York woman sustaining serious injuries.
The victim, identified as Alexis Rowan, was reportedly seeking directions when she was attacked with a knife and physically assaulted by an individual. The incident took place during a hike in the vicinity of the falls.
The attack was captured on a security camera belonging to a neighbor, providing visual evidence of the assault. Authorities identified the suspect as Taylor Nardo Paya, a member of the Havasupai Tribe.
Following the incident, Paya was arrested and is now facing charges related to assault. The specific details regarding the legal proceedings and the exact timeline of events following the arrest were not provided.
Havasupai Falls is located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona, known for its stunning blue-green waterfalls. The area attracts numerous visitors annually, making safety a key concern for both residents and tourists.
The condition of Alexis Rowan following the attack was not detailed in the provided information, nor were the specific circumstances that led to the request for directions. The motive behind the assault remains unclear.
Story summarized from the original created by Molly McBride, Gray News staff on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.
