Community members in West Valley grieved together during a vigil yesterday for Vincent Upton, a man who perished in floodwaters. Upton was attempting to navigate his truck through Waterman's Wash in Rainbow Valley during severe weather when, according to deputies, the waters overcame his vehicle, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. The strong currents reportedly shattered the truck's windows and windshield, trapping Upton inside.
The local community first became alarmed when Upton did not return home around 3:30 a.m. last Sunday. Following the alert, volunteers came out in droves, with at least 50 people arriving on the initial day of Upton's disappearance, employing off-road vehicles, drones, and even horses in a widespread search. Upton's body was eventually found last Monday, far from the discovered location of his truck, in depths of mud likened to quicksand by volunteer Lexus Collins, who told FOX 10 Phoenix.
During the somber event, Upton's family and friends gathered to honor his memory. Described as a great father, husband, and friend, Upton's work ethic and determination were highlighted through the words of his son Jayden and colleague Ben Santana. "My dad was just a great man, a great father, and his work ethic will live on forever throughout our family," Jayden Upton recounted in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix. Meanwhile, Santana echoed this sentiment, saying, "He was definitely memorable. He stuck with you." The community's tight-knit nature was underscored as cars once again lined the roads of the area during the vigil, much like they did during the search.
Advocacy for infrastructure improvements also surfaced, with both Santana and Collins suggesting the need for a bridge over the often treacherous wash to prevent future tragedies. In the meantime, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to offer financial support for Upton's family. For those wishing to contribute, details can be found on the fundraising page linked in the coverage by Yahoo News.
