(St. George, UT) - Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are assisting Zion National Park with the investigation of two deceased males found within the Park Monday. The first individual was discovered about 9:00am in the north fork of the Virgin river near the Gateway to the Zion Narrows. The second individual was found near the Big Bend shuttle stop in the park this afternoon. Identities of the deceased have not been released.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue had been working with Zion National Park in an effort to locate two missing men from Nevada. The search began on Sunday when the two men, who were believed to be floating a raft down the Virgin River through the Narrows, were overdue their expected completion time and concerned family members notified the National Park Service. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office works in conjunction with the Office of the Medical Examiner, and Zion National Park when fatalities occur within the Park.

The Zion Narrows was closed to hikers because the Virgin river was carrying more than 200 CFS (cubic feet per second) on Saturday, and 451 CFS Monday. More than 140 CFS is considered unsafe for hikers. However, the waterway is open to kayakers up to 600 CFS if they have a permit – neither of the missing men had one, according to park officials.