Remains found in flash flood

Photo: KPHO

Remains found Wednesday in a water- and debris-filled canyon in central Arizona are believed to be those of a missing 27-year-old man who's the 10th and final victim of last weekend's flash flood, authorities said.

Gila County Sheriff's officials said at a hastily called news conference that identification of the body will be subject to DNA analysis by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

But they believe the body is that of Hector Miguel Garnica and have notified his relatives.

Last Saturday's flash flood at a popular swimming hole along the river in the Tonto National Forest killed nine of Garnica's extended family including his wife and three young children.

Nine bodies were recovered by Sunday and the search for Garnica had been hampered since Monday by afternoon thunderstorms that suspended operations.

In recent days, searches have included divers probing ponds of standing water along the river and forestry crews using saws to cut up tree limbs to allow other searchers to dig and check under rocks and deep piles of debris.

Authorities said a DPS helicopter crew spotted the body on the side of the East Verde River just downstream from Shoofly Wash.