Two Sisters Swept Away In Slot Canyon Flash Flood
May 12, 2020, 9:28 AM | Updated: 10:43 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Authorities have identified a victim who was killed Monday after a flash flood in a slot canyon near Goblin Valley State Park as a 7-year-old girl.
The body of her 3-year-old sister was found Tuesday afternoon, according to officials. Both children were Utah residents.
The flash flood swept through Little Wild Horse Canyon, which is near Goblin Valley State Park.
Officials said the family of four was approximately three miles up the canyon when they were hit by unexpected weather. The fast-moving water reportedly swept them 2 – 3 miles.
“It would have been like putting them through a washing machine,” said Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk.
Searchers on Monday discovered a piece of clothing believed to belong to the 3-year-old.
“… We did actually find what we believe to be the little girl’s shirt approximately seven miles downstream from here,” Funk said.
Her body was located Tuesday 28 miles away from where she was last seen.
Multiple agencies assisted in search and rescue efforts Tuesday and the Department of Public Safety used a helicopter to help cover terrain. However, the search area is large and stretched into neighboring Wayne County.
There was initial concern about multiple cars left at the trailhead during and after the flash flooding. According to ECSO, though, all of the vehicles’ owners have been accounted for.
“It would have been like putting them through a washing machine.” @ECSO_UT Sheriff describing what anyone’s experience would have been like in yesterday’s flash flood in Slot Canyon. @KSL5TV for the latest. pic.twitter.com/X88eIMaNo7
— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) May 12, 2020
