A Memorial Day outing on the Salt River turned deadly after 22-year-old Sahr Sewah was reported missing and later found dead in the water, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were first called out on Saturday afternoon after Sewah was reported missing along the popular river corridor. Search teams returned to the water the next day and recovered his body. Investigators are treating the case as a drowning, and officials have not released any other details about what led up to his death.
According to AZ Family, deputies received the initial report around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. Sewah’s body was located at about 12:15 p.m. on Sunday. The outlet reports the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is handling the case as a drowning and has not provided further information.
MCSO response on the river
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol unit handles search and recovery operations on the Salt River, sending out boat crews and aviation support when needed. Their work can turn dangerous quickly, especially in fast-moving, brush-filled stretches of the river.
FOX 10 Phoenix has previously reported on Lake Patrol rescues and released body-cam and helicopter footage that shows how fast changing river conditions and thick vegetation can complicate an already tense search.
Salt River risks and safety
County officials say Memorial Day weekend marks the start of peak river traffic, when thousands of visitors head to the Salt River to cool off, often with coolers in tow. They also warn the holiday crowds come with real risk: Maricopa County recorded nine drownings last year.
In a county news release, Sheriff Russ Skinner urged people heading to the water to take basic precautions, including avoiding swimming alone, wearing a personal flotation device, and limiting or skipping alcohol to cut down on dangerous situations. Maricopa County issued the advisory as law enforcement and rescue crews geared up for heavy Memorial Day river traffic.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about Sewah’s death to contact MCSO. The agency lists a non-emergency line at (602) 876-1011 and advises people to call 911 for emergencies. MCSO directs media inquiries to [email protected]. According to AZ Family, investigators have released no additional details about the circumstances of Sewah’s drowning.
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