We are praying for the Merrells and hope they can be found safe.
A roaring backcountry stream swept up a grandmother from Vernal and her 14-year-old stepgrandson Saturday when they attempted to cross the rushing water on the northern side of Grand Canyon National Park.
Authorities Monday were searching for Jackson Standefer, 14, and Lou-Ann Merrell, 62, a retired emergency medical technician. Merrell has led dozens of trips into the remote region for youngsters, along with her husband Randy Merrell, a co-founder of the popular Merrell Boot Co.
The grandmother and boy lost their footing Saturday and fell into the water during a family trip with Randy Merrell and the teen's mother in a remote area of the Arizona park.
"Right now, everyone is praying for them and hoping for the best," said Steve Labrum, a friend and neighbor of the Merrells. Several friends and neighbors from Vernal had made the daylong trip to the canyon's north rim to join the search, Labrum said.