The deaths of two hikers at Buckskin Gulch last week have shocked the residents of Florida. Dr. Jeffrey Watson and William “Bill” Romaniello, both of Tampa Bay, Florida, have been identified by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.
They were part of a party of three people who set out last Saturday, March 11, 2023, to hike down Buckskin Gulch, a slot canyon on the Utah/Arizona border, en route to Lees Ferry on the Colorado River.
When they failed to return from a hike that was expected to last until Sunday, March 12, authorities in Kane County launched a search and rescue operation the next day, March 13. Using an infrared camera, rescuers discovered one of them; they took Ed Smith there for treatment.
On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Romaniello’s body was discovered in the canyon close to the Middle Way. On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the body of Dr Jeffrey Watson, the last hiker, was found in the desert of Arizona, not far from the Paria River.
Representatives of Orthopedic Medical Group said, “Tragedy has hit the practice and it is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Dr. Jeffrey Watson and William Romaniello”.
Tragedy has hit the practice, and it is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Dr. Jeffrey Watson and William Romaniello, ATC, two pillars of the practice that leave an incredible legacy and monumental void in the hearts of everyone that knew them. 2/3
— Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay (@OMGTampaBay) March 16, 2023
Watson was not just the valedictorian of his class at the United States Air Force Academy, but also an accomplished orthopedic surgeon. In recognition of his outstanding service in the Air Force, he has been awarded a full scholarship to Georgetown University School of Medicine.
It has been said that the university’s Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma recognized him as the best teaching resident. When Romaniello worked at the O.M.G. of Tampa Bay, he had the dual role of director of business development and director of sports medicine.
He earned a degree in sports science from the University of Connecticut and is now a licensed athletic trainer in Alabama. Together with more than ten other trainers, he established O.M.G of Tampa Bay’s sports medicine department, which saw patients at local sporting events and clinics.
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