A total of nine people died when a flash flood struck in Arizona. A family was at a swimming hole over the weekend to celebrate a relative's birthday.
One man remains missing and police said that out of the nine People Who Died, six were children. The youngest was two years old. The attraction was identified as the Cold Springs Swimming Hole located in Tonto National Forest. It was no longer raining in the area when the family went there to celebrate a birthday, but days before, there were heavy rains and thunderstorms. Flash flood warnings were also issued by the National Weather Service, Los Angeles Times reported.
Victims did not expect flash flood
On Sunday, Sheriff’s Sgt. David Hornung said that those who died were brothers, sisters, nephews, and cousins. He pointed out that these people were just enjoying swimming in the area and the weather did not show signs that such a calamity would take place. Hornung noted, “It wasn’t even raining where these people were at. The flash flood came from above them.” Hornung also said that the people who died probably did not have cellphone service in the area, so even if there were warnings, they would not have known about it.
More about the victims
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office received a call about the incident at around 3:20 p.m. on Saturday. Initially, only seven of the bodies were recovered and three were still missing.
None of them have been identified but police said the ages of the children ranged from two to 17-years-old, and the adults’ ages ranged from 24 to 60 years old.
Those who died were two mothers, a grandmother, two teenage boys, and young children. The husband of one of the mothers who died is the one who remains missing.
Four others were rescued and are alive.
One of those rescued is a father and the other is a baby.They were treated for hypothermia at a hospital. Water Wheel Fire and Medical District Fire Chief Ron Sattelmaier said that they believe they have found everyone except the missing man. They have covered a lot of ground and continue to search for the man.
The rescue teams who initially tried to save as many as they could, were in the area because they were deployed to help a hiker who suffered from an allergic reaction.
KPHO-TV reported that Gov. Doug Ducey released a statement regarding the death of the family members. He took to his Facebook page to say that he is extending his deepest prayers to those who died and for their families as well as the community.
