The search for a 74-year-old man who went missing during recent floodwaters in the Cordes Lakes area has concluded. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that David Otero’s body was found along Big Bug Creek near its intersection with the Agua Fria River, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. The location where Otero was found is about six miles from where he and his vehicle were last seen on Tuesday.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) released a statement outlining the search efforts for Otero after he drove into rapidly moving floodwaters. A multi-agency operation involved 80 volunteer search and rescue personnel working to locate him. During the search, a sedan believed to belong to Otero was found lodged against a tree about two miles downstream from where it entered the water, but the vehicle was empty, as per AZ Family.
The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office extended condolences to the Otero family, saying in a statement, "The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the Otero family during this difficult time," as reported by AZ Family. The department also thanked the search and rescue volunteers and partner agencies, including CAFMA, Mayer Fire, and AZDPS, for their assistance in locating Otero.
