Three Utah canyoneers drown in churning California "whirlpool"

• Skinner was rappelling into the water when she was caught in a churning current in the river, Bell's sister Cyndi Miller wrote in a Facebook post, confirming reports from the Tulare County, California sheriff's office.

Zoom in: On and Bell jumped into the water to help her, Bell's family told KSL-TV. Both were caught in the circular current, which repeatedly pushed the canyoneers to the surface before pulling them under again.

• On and Bell both managed to escape the current, but On returned to try to reach Skinner. Bell also returned as On lost consciousness, Bell's family said.
• All three were unconscious when their companions recovered them and performed CPR for 20 minutes, Miller wrote.

Between the lines: The circular current may have been "caused by either a large log or a rock that was pushed into that area," Summerisa Bell Stevens, another sister of Bell, told KSL-TV.

• That type of hydraulic current is a common hazard on rivers with underwater, "low head" dams but also can occur near natural obstacles.

The big picture: Skinner, On and Bell were active in Utah's outdoor sports communities.

• Friends are invited to leave memories and photos in a shared Facebook group.

What's next: The three climbers were avid dancers, and friends are hosting a memorial dance at 10pm Wednesday at Classic Fun Center in Sandy.

• The Mount Nebo marathon, which Bell organized, will be run in his honor Sept. 7.