2 Tampa Men Die While Hiking Utah Canyon: Police

KANE COUNTY, UT — Two Tampa men died on a recent hiking trip at a popular canyon near the Utah-Arizona border, according to authorities.

The Kane County Sheriff's Office in Kanab, Utah, identified the two dead men as Jeff Watson and Bill Romaniello. The victims, along with friend Ed Smith, were on a 45-mile hike in Utah's Buckskin Gulch when they died, authorities said.

According to police, the trio was hiking from Wire Pass to Lee's Ferry when they were caught in a flash flood. Authorities launched search and rescue efforts Monday, a day after the men were due to arrive at Lee's Ferry.

According to police, rescue personnel located Smith around 5 p.m. Monday. He was "extremely cold and weak," authorities said, and later told police the group was carried downstream by the flash flood. Smith said he and Watson escaped the floodwaters, but were unable to find Romaniello.

Watson was injured in the flooding and stayed behind as Smith moved on to find help, police said.

Authorities found Romaniello's body while searching Monday night into Tuesday morning, according to police. Watson's body was discovered Wednesday in Arizona, police said.

Romaniello and Watson worked at the Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay, according to a company Facebook post.

"Tragedy has hit the practice, and it is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Dr. Jeffrey Watson and William Romaniello, ATC, two pillars of the practice that leave an incredible legacy and monumental void in the hearts of everyone that knew them," the company wrote.

During the search, Kane County authorities rescued an additional 10 hikers trapped in the canyon, police said. The numerous rescues prompted Kane County officials to issue a warning to other hikers.

"We encourage everyone to be safe as they recreate in the many beautiful areas of Kane County," the sheriff's office said in a release. "As this week has shown, the beauty can turn to tragedy in an instant. Careful preparation and understanding our complex weather are essential in your trip planning."