BICKNELL — Three people have died and two remain missing after a family was caught in flooding near the Sunglow Campground in Wayne County, officials said Friday.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched at about 5 p.m. after the body of a young man was located in a nearby wash. Search-and-rescue teams later recovered two additional male victims.
What officials have said
The sheriff’s office said the family had arrived in the area around 11:30 a.m. to go hiking and canyoneering. Flooding in the area from heavy rains was described by the office as the most likely contributing factor in the fatalities.
Authorities have not released the names or ages of those who were found or who remain missing. The recovered bodies have been taken to the medical examiner’s office for analysis and identification, the sheriff’s office said.
Search continues
Search efforts remain active for two family members still unaccounted for. Local law enforcement has not provided a timeline for when the search will conclude. The sheriff’s office is leading the response, with assistance from local search-and-rescue teams.
- Location: Sunglow Campground area, near Bicknell, Wayne County
- Initial call: deputies notified at about 5 p.m.
- Family arrival: reported around 11:30 a.m. for hiking and canyoneering
- Status: three deceased; two missing; bodies sent to medical examiner
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recovered deceased | 3 people (male victims reported) |
| Missing | 2 family members |
| Time of sheriff response | About 5 p.m. |
Advice for residents and visitors
Officials did not issue new closures in their statement, but heavy rains and flash-flood risk in canyons and washes can be sudden and life-threatening. Visitors planning hiking, canyoneering or camping in Wayne County and surrounding areas should monitor updates from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the National Weather Service and avoid narrow washes and streambeds during or after storms.
The sheriff’s office is the primary contact for information about the ongoing search and investigation. Media and the public should expect additional updates as authorities complete identification and notify next of kin.
News Block will continue to follow this developing story and will publish additional details as they become available from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and regional emergency authorities.
