Tragedy struck the waters of the Salt River as two drowning incidents occurred within a month of each other, resulting in the loss of life and prompting investigations by local authorities. In the most recent event, a man drowned near the Blue Point Recreation Area on Wednesday, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office informed that witnesses called in to report a Hispanic man was struggling in the water beneath a bridge. Despite efforts by deputies, and the Tonto National Forest law enforcement, the victim was eventually found deceased.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office stated, "Several different callers called in stating a Hispanic man was drowning on the river near the bridge. They said he went under the water, and had not resurfaced. They described him as an adult male wearing dark clothing," as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. The body was recovered in approximately ten feet of water by crews, and while no signs of foul play were noted, an investigation into the man's death is ongoing. The identity of the victim has yet to be released.
Earlier, on Memorial Day weekend, a similarly grim situation unfolded at Sheep's Crossing Recreation Center. Stephan Sweet, a 54-year-old man, was found unresponsive underwater after falling off his tube, according to AZFamily. Bystanders performed CPR on Sweet until deputies and, medics arrived on the scene but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead not long after.
Witnesses told dispatchers that Sweet fell off his tube, and became unconscious. Though medics attempted life-saving measures, Sweet could not be revived. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Lake Patrol unit said no foul play is suspected in the incident, and they are still investigating the exact circumstances of Sweet’s death, as per AZFamily.
