A Phoenix-Arizona couple was found dead the day after their car got stuck in floodwaters near Payson, officials said Thursday.
“The occupants of the vehicle have been located and recovery work is underway,” said the Gila County Sheriff’s Office. said in a social media post.
“Once verification and notification are complete, we will release your identity.”
A 911 caller reported a vehicle around 7:45 a.m. Wednesday at Tonto Creek, Bear Flat Crossing, about 18 miles east of Payson, according to the GCSO. The vehicle was about 100 yards downstream from the creek crossing.
The missing person was believed to be a local resident who was traveling with a pet, according to the GCSO.
Search efforts by multiple agencies were hampered by hazardous weather conditions and flooding.
Hell’s Gate Fire Department, Tontrim Search and Rescue, Payson Police Department, and Arizona Department of Public Safety were involved in the search.
Flooding from rainfall and melting snow caused problems in northern Arizona on Wednesday.
Several lowland communities in Yavapai County have been told to evacuate due to dangerous conditions.
