Tragic pictures of abandoned hiking camp after 2 friends found dead & 3rd dramatically rescued from

TWO hikers were found dead after they were struck by a sudden flash flood as they hiked a challenging 45-mile trail last week. Dr. Jeffrey Watson and William Bill Romaniello, from Tampa, died after a flash flood surged within a narrow canyon in Utah.

TWO hikers were found dead after they were struck by a sudden flash flood as they hiked a challenging 45-mile trail last week.

Dr. Jeffrey Watson and William “Bill” Romaniello, from Tampa, died after a flash flood surged within a narrow canyon in Utah.

The two men, who worked in the same medical practice, were athletic experts and were together for a weekend-long hike.

Authorities have since released images of their devastated camp, along with footage of a third hiker, who survived, being rescued.

Watson and Romaniello were accompanied by a third hiker, Ed Smith, who was the practices’ chief clinical officer. He was rescued and shared his recollections from the accident.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that the hike began last Friday and was meant to last through Sunday, taking place in Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in North America.

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When the men hadn’t contacted their families by Monday morning, authorities launched a desperate search to find them.

That same day, Utah’s Department of Public Safety captured footage of a person in a canyon. Sources confirmed that this person was Smith and that he was “extremely cold and weak.” 

Smith shared that his group was hit by a flash flood that carried them downstream.

He said that he and Watson managed to free themselves from the waters and searched for Romaniello, who was nowhere to be found. 

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After searching and not finding him, the two continued downstream to get help. 

The two had to split up due to Watson having a leg injury, with Smith continuing on his search for help. 

The bodies of Romaniello and Watson were found on March 13 and March 14. The Sheriff’s Office shared a statement sharing the news with the public. 

“Our hearts pour out to the Romaniello and Watson families for their loss,” it reads. 

“Both men were pillars in their community and a huge loss to the healthcare field where they worked.”

Romaniello’s family set up a GoFundMe page to fund the funeral expenses, sharing some of his qualities. 

“His wisdom, skills, humor & smile touched the lives of countless people all over the country during his 53 years,” reads the website. 

“Please consider contributing to the family's funeral expenses so that we can give Bill the celebration of life he truly deserves.” 

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