Two years have passed since the tragic drowning of Sean Bickings at Tempe Town Lake, and his memory continues to resonate with family and friends who gathered to honor his life. The vigil, marking the second anniversary of Bickings' untimely death, was a moment for loved ones to reflect on the man they knew and the loss they continue to grapple with. As reported by ABC 15, Sean's mother, Turee Toro, feeling the pain as freshly as if it happened yesterday, described him as "a lovely young man" who, despite his issues, "did care about other people."
In 2022, body camera footage captured the harrowing incident where Bickings, in front of Tempe police officers, jumped into the lake, swam away, and then disappeared beneath the surface. The tragic scene unfolded after police approached Bickings and a companion over a possible disturbance. Officers did not enter the water to rescue Bickings, a decision later deemed valid by a review from Scottsdale police, based on safety concerns. This detail, mentioned in an interview by ABC 15, has sparked ongoing litigation against the police for wrongful death.
Since the drowning, Tempe has implemented safety measures, including installing dozens of emergency life rings along the lake and equipping police officers with throw bags containing flotation devices. This action has been met with appreciation by Bickings' community, who continue to advocate for further enhancements. According to ABC 15, Family attorney Benjamin Taylor states, "During this whole thing he could still be alive today if the city of Tempe would’ve thrown a life preserver out to save his life."
Moreover, friends and family utilized the vigil not only to remember Bickings but also to draw attention to the issue of homelessness—a condition Bickings was facing at the time of his death. The advocates hope to inspire more community support for those experiencing homelessness, highlighting that they, like anyone else, are important and capable of impacting others. Jimi Flynn, united with others remembering Bickings at the vigil, told ABC 15, "Just because people are homeless doesn’t mean that they don’t matter and that they don’t have an impact." Amid their grief, the family continues their pursuit of justice and systemic change to prevent such tragedies in the future.
