Families of Zion victims mourn loved ones, give thanks

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ZION NATIONAL PARK — Family members of seven hikers killed in a flash flood in Zion National Park remembered their loved ones on Friday.

Linda Arthur, 57, and her husband, Steve Arthur, 58, of Camarillo, California; Robin Brum, 53, of Camarillo; Gary Favela, 51, of Rancho Cucamonga, California; Mark MacKenzie, 56, of Valencia, California; Muku Reynolds, 59, of Chino, California; and Don Teichner, 55, of Mesquite, Nevada, were caught in a torrential rainstorm while hiking and rappelling in the slot canyons of Keyhole Canyon. The body of the final missing person was recovered Thursday.

On Friday, family members released short prepared statements about their loved ones. In doing so, they also clarified that the seven were experienced outdoorsmen, and what happened was a freak accident.

"Gary Favela (was a) kind and loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend. Gary was adventurous and outgoing. Canyoneering was his passion. The Favela family would like to give thanks to everyone involved. Your generosity and compassion is very much appreciated. He will be forever missed," the Favela family wrote.

The Reynolds family remembered Muku Reynolds as "a beloved mother, grandmother and friend to many. Hiking was her passion."

Robin Brum's family said she "was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mom, auntie, friend and mentor. She was supremely kind and a selfless person who cared for everyone around her. She leaves a hole in our hearts and lives that will never be filled. She will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her."

The family of Steve and Linda Arthur said the couple "will be forever loved by their three children Bobby, Justin and Allison. Aside from enjoying the great outdoors, they lived for their seven adoring grandchildren."

Steve Arthur was a veteran deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

The children of the Arthur family, Allison, Justin and Bobby, said they want the public to know that the group was not inexperienced.

"These amazing people were part of an experienced hiking group. They hike weekly, including overnight backpacking, bouldering and even canyoneering. They were watching the weather closely on this day and even texting loved ones for weather updates before they left camp. There was a 40 percent chance of rain and flash flooding 'probable.' To inform anyone who hasn't been to Zion, this term is used on a weekly or if not daily basis," the children wrote. "Knowing my parents and how extremely cautious they are, they never would have dropped into this canyon if they had any doubt. Unfortunately, there is no cell coverage at the trail head and the park had no way of communicating with the group about the change in status."

The Arthurs said a group of three hikers went into the slot canyon after their parents.

"Luckily our group let them pass and all three of them survived. This is nothing but a freak accident and a true case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. My brothers and I take comfort in knowing that my parents were together doing what they love," they said. "My parents were amazingly kind, generous, selfless people who loved their family and friends and adored their seven grandchildren."

The group set off in the park Monday to go canyoneering in Keyhole Canyon. Nearly three-quarters of an inch of rain fell in that area in less than an hour that afternoon.

Meanwhile, the search continued Friday in Hildale and Colorado City, Arizona, for the body of 6-year-old Tyson Black, whose family was caught in the same storm cell that caused flooding in Zion National Park. Flash flooding in Hildale swept away two vehicles carrying 3 adult women and 13 children. The bodies of 12 victims have already been recovered. Three young boys survived.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who was scheduled to return from a trade mission to Hong Kong Friday, planned to visit the border cities Saturday to thank first responders, tour the flood sites and meet with victims' families.

The body of a Hurricane man was also recovered Thursday after his vehicle was found in a flood plain three miles south from the Utah-Arizona border. Officials suspect he was also caught in Monday's storm and are investigating whether he was hit by a flash flood.