A tragic incident unfurled on the Salt River recently, with crews recovering the body of a man who drowned early yesterday morning. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the event, stating the drowning occurred near a location known as Devil's Elbow, just beyond the Blue Point Bridge. Details provided by FOX 10 Phoenix reveal the victim, identified as an adult Hispanic male, was spotted struggling to swim while trying to cross the river around 8 a.m. yesterday.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office described the response to the incident, noting deputies from the Lake Patrol deployed by ground, water, and air assets, including an air boat and MCSO Divers, to quickly locate and recover the person last seen wearing jeans and a black T-shirt. Despite the swift reaction, the man's body was found not long after the search began. 12 News reported that divers made the recovery around 11:30 a.m.
The incident prompted a statement from Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona President Jay Arthur, who emphasized the river's deceptive nature. "Looks nice and smooth when you're riding in a tube down the river, but you hit those currents, they're underneath the water, it really sucks you down," Arthur told 12 News. He further explained that once the current pulls someone under, there's not too much recourse to save oneself, highlighting the critical need for life jackets.
The lake area was busy that yesterday, with many people arriving after the search had concluded. Rey Gonzalez, speaking to 12 News, reflected on the sadness of the event and it's a sober reminder to remain vigilant, especially with children, to ensure their safety while they are having fun.
Investigations into the man's death are ongoing as authorities look to uncover the specifics that coerced him to struggle in the water. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has not released additional details on the man's identity or the circumstances leading up to this tragic drowning.
