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9 Die in Arizona Flash Flood

Police said Sunday that six children between the ages of 2 and 13 are among the dead.
Police said Sunday that six children between the ages of 2 and 13 are among the dead.

Nine people are dead and one is missing after flash flooding swept away a family at a swimming hole in central Arizona, police say.

Fourteen family members were near the Cold Springs swimming hole on Saturday afternoon when heavy rains caused flash floods, said Sgt. David Hornung with the Gila County Sheriff's Office, CNN reported.

The victims have not been identified. Police said Sunday that six children between the ages of 2 and 13 are among the dead, and the oldest victim was in their late 60s.

The missing family member is a 27-year-old male, Hornung told CNN on Sunday. The search resumes Monday.

Four family members were rescued Saturday afternoon, said Hornung. They were taken to hospital with hypothermia. CNN affiliate reported.

KNXV said dozens of people had been swimming in the river when the flooding occurred and quoted Medical District Fire Chief Ron Sattelmaier as saying there was no way of knowing how many people were actually present.

"It's pretty much recovery (now). We don't believe there's anybody left out there," Sattelmaier said.

Gov. Doug Ducey said on Twitter that the state would assist in all ways possible.

"Deepest prayers for those lost in the Gila County tragedy, for their families and the entire community," Ducey tweeted.

Trent Shue, a volunteer with the Tonto Recreation Alliance, was with a group marking trails close to Ellison Creek, about three miles from the swimming hole, when the storm hit.

"In a short period of time, the creek along the side of the road started to get exceptionally heavy," Shue said. "We could hear the roaring of the flash flood in the distance, and it was something to behold. We made sure to stay far ahead of the rushing water, and finally found a safe spot where we could wait it out."

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