A man is in the hospital in extremely critical condition after being pulled from a north Phoenix canal late Saturday night near 29th Avenue and Dunlap Road, just south of the former Metrocenter Mall. Bystanders spotted him in the water, pulled him out, and waited as fire crews rushed in, performed life-saving measures at the scene, and rushed him to a trauma center. Phoenix police say the man is expected to recover, but they have not said how long he was underwater, and the case is still under investigation.
According to Arizona's Family, first responders were dispatched shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday to the canal near the shuttered mall. Phoenix Fire crews confirmed that bystanders had already pulled the victim from the water, then firefighters started CPR and other life-saving efforts before transporting him to the hospital.
Canal hazards in the Valley
This latest rescue comes on the heels of other serious water emergencies in Valley canals, a reminder that those calm-looking channels can turn dangerous in seconds. ABC15 recently reported a fatal incident involving a person pulled from a Tolleson canal. Officials warn that these waterways can hide strong currents, sudden drop-offs, and pockets of cold water that make rescues difficult and risky.
First responders repeatedly urge residents to stay out of canals altogether and to call 911 if someone is in trouble, rather than attempting a dangerous rescue themselves.
What officials say and next steps
The Phoenix Fire Department handles emergency medical response and on-scene stabilization across the city, and crews in this case followed the same playbook, working to revive the man before transport.
If you were near the canal late Saturday, saw anything, or recorded video, Phoenix police want to hear from you. Investigators ask that you contact Phoenix police Crime Stop at 602-262-6151 or use Silent Witness to share tips as they work to determine how the man ended up in the water.
This is an active investigation, and the man remains hospitalized. Authorities are expected to release more details as the case develops, and this story will be updated when that happens.
