Self portrait of the group before the first rappel of Keyhole Canyon on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. Pictured from left: Gary Favela, Don Teichner, Muku Reynolds, Steve Arthur, Linda Arthur, Robin Brum and Mark MacKenzie, Zion National Park, Utah, Sept. 14, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Zion National Park, St. George News

SPRINGDALE – The seven Keyhole Canyon canyoneers who were overtaken by a flash flood in Zion National Park Monday night have been identified by authorities.

The seven people who died in the flood have been identified as: Mark MacKenzie, 56, of Valencia, California; Linda Arthur, 57, of Camarillo, California; Steve Arthur, 58, of Camarillo; Gary Favela, 51, of Rancho Cucamonga, California; Don Teichner, 55, of Mesquite, Nevada; Muku Reynolds, 59, of Chino, California; and Robin Brum, 53, of Camarillo.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those affected by the flash flooding in Keyhole Canyon,” Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said. “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.”

The families of the canyoneers extend their deepest gratitude for all of the search and rescuers, according to a press release from Zion National Park. The family members have also requested privacy during this difficult time.

During the search and rescue operations, more than 60 searchers from multiple agencies contributed over 1,135 hours in their efforts to find the missing people, the press release said. Agencies assisting Zion National Park included Washington County Search and Rescue, Kane County Search and Rescue, Sanpete County Search and Rescue, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Springdale, Rockville-Springdale Fire Protection District, Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs Unit, the Color Country Interagency Fire Center, Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.

“We appreciate all of the support from our cooperators and staff for all of their care and assistance,” Bradybaugh said.

Search and rescue efforts concluded as of 6 p.m. Thursday, according to the press release, but an investigation is still ongoing.

Related posts

Email: news@stgnews.com

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.