Search and rescue teams headed to the scene of last week’s devastating flash floods in Hildale and Colorado City again Wednesday morning, Sept. 23, in their attempt to locate the last of the missing victims: six-year-old Tyson Black. Additional K-9 teams were deployed in an effort to locate Black. A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, in Hildale.
Washington County Emergency Services Coordinator Pete Kuhlmann expressed his appreciation for all the assistance they have received over the past week and a half.
“Thanks to all those who have donated their time, talents and energy as searchers, and to those businesses, organizations and individuals who have donated supplies to support the search. We remain hopeful that our efforts will be successful today,” Kuhlmann told The Independent.
In response to numerous rumors revolving around different factions in the Hildale /Colorado City area—including reports of guns being drawn in order to keep supplies from getting into the hands of families of the victims and some reports of night time burials of the deceased—Kuhlmann said these reports were unsubstantiated.
“Temporary morgues were set up for the victims that perished in the incident,” Kuhlmann said. “Medical examiners, county attorneys, and other officials from both Utah and Arizona were called in to make sure everything in the search, recovery and the handling of the deceased victims was legal.”
“To my knowledge,” Kuhlmann continued, “no reports of violence in the community have been reported. No nighttime burials. But there are a lot of rumors going around. “
To date, over 60 agencies and groups have given assistance, along with hundreds of unaffiliated volunteers that have aided in the recovery of the victims and the continued search for the last remaining victim of the flash flood.
Kuhlmann referred to the eight miles of flood plain, with its associated sediment and debris, “overwhelming, a nightmare search.”
Authorities at the command center are asking the public to remain clear of the search area. The K-9 cadaver dogs used in the search work best when areas have been undisturbed for several hours prior to their deployment. Citizens who are not part of the search teams or the search effort are asked to remain away from the search area.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, at Maxwell Park in Hildale. The memorial for the victims will be held at 2 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Organizers have asked those who would like to attend dress in modest, formal attire. Anyone with questions regarding the memorial service may call (435) 874-2323. According to the Washington County Emergency Services Facebook page, families will also be holding their own private funeral services throughout the week.
The flash flood occurred after severe storms hit the area on Sept. 14, dropping large amounts of rain. The Hildale and Zion Park flash flood tragedy left 20 people confirmed dead.
In Hildale, flash flooding is a common occurrence this time of year. Members of the two families carried away by the deluge had stopped at a flooded area to let the flood waters clear before crossing the road; however, another flash flood that had occurred in the canyon above Hildale took them by surprise.
Three sisters—Della Black, Josephine Jessop and Naomi Jessop—along with nine children ages 4 to 11 were killed. Their bodies have been found. Of the victims of the Hildale flash floods, six-year-old Tyson Lucas Black is the only remaining missing person.
The State of Utah has released a YouTube video with images over the flood affected area.
