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6 Of 7 Hikers Killed In Flash Flooding At Zion National Park In Utah Were From Southland

ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah (CBSLA.com) — Six of seven hikers who died in a flash flood at Zion National Park in Utah this week were from Southern California, CBS Los Angeles has learned.

The National Park Service released the identities of the deceased hikers, all of whom were in their 50s and were reportedly friends from a hiking club.

The victims were identified by the park service as: Mark MacKenzie, 56, of Valencia; Linda Arthur, 57, of Camarillo; Steve Arthur, 58, of Camarillo; Gary Favela, 51, of Rancho Cucamonga; Don Teichner, 55, of Mesquite, NV; Muku Reynolds, 59, of Chino; and Robin Brum, 53, of Camarillo.

The canyoneering group had been swept away in a sudden and violent torrent of water at the bottom of a deep and narrow canyon.

Rescuers had searched for days to recover the bodies. The last victim was located Thursday miles from the gorge where the victims got trapped during a violent rainstorm on Monday.

The park service says the group was warned rain could fall before they entered the canyon but even the weather service had no idea how severe the storm would be.

"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those affected by the flash flooding in Keyhole Canyon," Superintendent Bradybaugh said in a statement. "The canyoneers along with their families and friends are in our thoughts."

In GoPro footage shot by a man whose group escaped the park during the flooding, the group was seen racing down the narrow hiking trails as floodwater closed in around them. Everyone in that group survived.

Zion National Park is now reviewing its permit policy to see if the canyon should be closed whenever there is even a chance for rain.

Flash flooding also killed 12 other people, including 9 children near the Utah-Arizona border when raging waters overtook a van and a sport utility vehicle.

Favela's family started a crowdfunding campaign to bring his body home. Those interested in donating, can do so at: https://www.gofundme.com/GaryFavela

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