EMERY COUNTY, Utah -- Two young girls after a flash flood occurred in slot canyons in Emery County Monday afternoon.
Sheriff Greg Funk said early Tuesday morning that a 7-year-old Utah girl was caught up in the flood and swept away, and that they were searching for her 3-year-old sister.
Later Tuesday, Emery County Sheriff's Office Capt. Kyle Ekker told FOX 13 that the 3-year-old's body has been found.
The girls' father found the 7-year-old Monday and attempted to revive her, but she had passed away, Sheriff Funk said.
Surviving members of the family were swept three miles down the narrow slot canyon. The 3-year-old's body was found nearly 30 miles away, spotted by a helicopter on the bank of the Muddy Creek wash near Hanksville.
Around 70 people took part in the search with the help of helicopters and dogs.
“It was a very emotional search for all involved," sheriff's office spokeswoman Janalee Luke said. "They have children, they have grandchildren, and any time you throw a child in the mix, it brings a lot of emotion.”
At least 21 people made it out safely.
The hike is an eight mile loop that normally takes about four hours to complete.
A GoFundMe has been started in support of the family..
