Stina Sieg/KJZZ

The East Verde River, a tributary of the Verde River.

Authorities in Payson believe they’ve found the 10th victim of a flash flood that struck a crowded swimming hole Saturday. DNA tests will confirm whether the body found Wednesday afternoon is indeed that of Hector Garnica.

Garnica’s wife and three small children are among the dead. They were all at a family gathering a when a large wave, filled with debris, swept through. Tiffany Davila, with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, said more than 100 rescue personnel have been searching for Garnica for days.

“A lot of these people have been here since day one, so they’re physically and mentally exhausted,” she said. “They’ve been giving their all. They haven’t stopped. Some of them haven’t even slept. So, we appreciate everyone coming together to help find the last remaining victim.”

A funeral for the 10 people who died will be next week.

To hear an interview with KJZZ's Stina Sieg on The Show, click here.

Loading...