|
Contact: Aly Baltrus, 435-772-0160
Springdale, UT- On the afternoon of Monday, September 14, 2015 the area in and around Zion National Park experienced heavy rain. Storms arrived between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m and dropped 0.63” in Zion Canyon in one hour. As a result of these local storms, flash flooding occurred in the park including a small canyon called Keyhole Canyon.
Rangers received a report of a group of seven individuals canyoneering in Keyhole Canyon shortly before the flooding began. Their unoccupied vehicles were located on Monday evening and a search began the morning of Tuesday, September 15, 2015 when it was determined that these individuals had not exited the canyon.
Of the seven individuals involved, three fatalities are confirmed and the remaining four are missing. Names are not being released at this time, pending notification of kin. As the search continues for the missing hikers, high water levels and continued rain showers pose further flash flooding concerns and have hampered searchers’ access to the technical portions of the canyoneering route.
Keyhole Canyon is a short, narrow slot canyon located on the east side of Zion National Park. A permit is required for traveling through Keyhole Canyon and individuals must complete several short rappels under 30 feet and swim through several pools of water.
More information will become available as the search continues. |
Last updated: September 15, 2015