PAYSON, Ariz.- Authorities said nine people have been found dead and a 27-year-old father is still missing after a flash flood rushed through Cold Springs swimming hole along the East Verde River north of Payson Saturday.
Gila County Sheriff's Office said 14 people were victims to the flash flood. Crews recovered a body of a 2-year-old Sunday afternoon. Among the other nine confirmed deaths are 3-year-old and 5-year-old girls, two 7-year-old boys and a 13-year-old boy.
A 24-year-old woman, a 27-year-old woman and a 60-year-old woman are also dead, GSCO said.
A sheriff's detective told the Associated Press that all of the victims were among a group of 14 family and friends from the Phoenix and Flagstaff areas who had met up for a daytrip along the popular swimming hole.
GCSO began the search and rescue operation around 3:30 p.m. Saturday after heavy rainfall hit the Payson area, causing a flash flood at the Cold Springs Swimming Hole and Forest Service Road 420.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety, U.S. Forest Service and Whispering Pines Fire District have joined The GCSO in the search and rescue operation.
Crews suspended the search for the missing person Sunday night. They said they will resume the search Monday morning.
There are closures in place at First Crossing and Second Crossing on Houston Mesa Road, according to GCSO. Water Wheel campground are closed.
Several parts of Arizona are under a flash flood watch Sunday afternoon through Monday night.