Heavy flooding trapped about 65 people in the beginning of the incident, and most of those got to safety quickly, according to Ethan Burris with Jackson County Emergency Management Agency.

About 14 people had to be actively rescued, Burris said. The people ranges in all ages, from children to grownups.

Pierce was found early Monday morning. Officials said life jackets were provided to visitors in all sizes at the park, but the boy was not wearing one. Pierce was found downstream not far from where he was swept away.

Preliminary investigation revealed the boy’s family was exiting the gorge as the water was rising and while attempting to cross the river they were swept away. Pierce was reportedly being carried by another family member.

The water rose very quickly, officials said in just under 2 minutes. The family was just a couple hundred yards away from the base of the falls.