An overnight fire along a canal just north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport ended in tragedy early Friday when crews found a man dead at the scene. Firefighters knocked down the blaze, and Phoenix police quickly taped off the area while detectives launched an investigation. Drivers in the neighborhood reported delays as emergency vehicles worked through the night.
Emergency Crews Swarm 44th and Washington
Police and firefighters were called to the canal area near 44th Street and Washington Street just after midnight, according to Arizona's Family. Crews put out the fire, then discovered the man's body nearby. Officers secured the surrounding streets and canal bank while detectives moved in to piece together what happened. Investigators are processing the scene and talking with anyone who might have seen or heard something before or during the fire.
Canal Deaths Add To A Troubling Pattern Across The Valley
Authorities have not released the victim's name or an official cause of death. Canals around metro Phoenix have been the site of several recent recoveries, and in April FOX 10 Phoenix reported that crews pulled a body from a canal near 3rd Avenue and Indian School Road. Investigators typically treat any water recovery as an active scene until medical examiners and detectives finish their work.
Road Closures Snarl Traffic Near Sky Harbor
Northbound 44th Street was shut down from Madison Street to Washington Street as detectives examined the area and collected evidence, Arizona's Family reports. Officials have not shared additional details about the man who died while the investigation remains active. People who live or work nearby should be ready for lingering traffic backups until the scene is fully cleared.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151, according to the City of Phoenix Police Department. Detectives are continuing their on-scene work, and officials say more details will be released once they are available.
