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ZION NATIONAL PARK — The body of a seventh hiker was found by search and rescue teams in Zion National Park Thursday, making it the 19th death caused by Monday's flash flooding.
All seven of the deceased hikers were part of the same group that began canyoneering in the area a short time before flooding started around 4:30 p.m. Monday, according to Zion National Park spokeswoman Aly Baltrus. Nearly three-quarters of an inch of rain fell inside the national park within an hour.
The four-man, three-woman group set off in the park on Monday to go canyoneering in Keyhole Canyon. Six members of the group were from California and one was from Nevada and all were in their 40s and 50s, Baltrus said.
The Ventura (California) County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that one of those killed in Zion National Park was sheriff's Sgt. Steve Arthur. The body of his wife, Linda Arthur, was found in a technical portion of Pine Creek Canyon Thursday morning. Pine Creek Canyon is about 3 miles from Keyhole Canyon.
The other five victims were identified as Mark MacKenzie, 56, of Valencia, CA; Gary Favela, 51, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Don Teichner, 55, of Mesquite, NV; Muku Reynolds, 59, of Chino, CA; and Robin Brum, 53, of Camarillo, CA.
Keyhole Canyon is a technical slot canyon, meaning climbing gear is needed. The canyon, located on the east end of the park near the border of Washington and Kane counties, has three parts and involves swimming through several pools and a 30-foot rappelling section.
Due to the technical nature of the canyon, search and rescue efforts were hampered Tuesday and Wednesday by the continuing rain and dangerous flooding conditions in the area, officials said. Thursday was the first day searchers were able to access Pine Creek Canyon.
All bodies will be taken to the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those affected by the flash flooding in Keyhole Canyon.
–Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh
"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those affected by the flash flooding in Keyhole Canyon," said Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh in a statement Thursday. "We have witnessed an incredible community of the family members and friends of the canyoneers come together to support one another. The canyoneers along with their families and friends are in our thoughts."
About 45 miles away, a second search continued for a 6-year-old boy who was swept away in a flash flood in Hildale from the same Monday rainstorm. The bodies of nine children and three mothers in that tragedy were recovered Monday and Tuesday.
Gov. Gary Herbert ordered all flags at half-staff through Friday in honor of the victims of the Zion National Park and Hildale flash floods.
"I join with other Utahns in mourning the tragedy in Washington County and Zion National Park," Herbert said in a prepared statement. "Jeanette and I send our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones. I thank the first responders, volunteers and other officials involved in the recovery effort."
Contributing: Pat Reavy, Ben Lockhart
