Knife Attack Survivor Finds Strength | Mesa News

Mesa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 25, 2026 · 1m

A woman celebrating her birthday hike in Havasupai was violently attacked with a knife while asking for directions — but her quick thinking and a heroic bystander saved her life. The assailant, 29-year-old Taylor Nardo Paya, allegedly approached her during a video call, slashed at her neck, and was swiftly stopped by another woman who recognized him and called police. Though still recovering with lingering pain and stitches removed, Rowan remains focused on her kids and healing — even as she urges fellow adventurers to stay alert. Paya, with a prior assault conviction from 2016, is now facing…