Search for man missing after fatal flash flood suspended

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST, Ariz. (AP) - The search for a 27-year-old man still missing after a flash flood in central Arizona has been suspended because of a severe thunderstorm moving into the area.

Water Wheel Fire and Medical District Fire Chief Ron Sattelmaier says the search was stopped around 4 p.m. Monday as light rain with thunder and lightning hit the Tonto National Forest area.

He says the search for Hector Garnica will resume Tuesday morning, weather permitting.

Garnica was the father of three children -- ages 3, 5 and 7 -- who died after being swept away by the rushing water.

Detective David Hornung of the Gila County Sheriff's Office says Garnica's wife also died in the floodwaters at the Tonto National Forest.

Family and friends identified Maria Raya-Garcia as Hector Garnica's wife.

A torrent of water came Saturday as people were cooling off in a creek when a rainstorm upstream unleashed floodwaters.

In all, nine people who were part of Garnica's extended family died after being swept away.