Lavigne Cesar Chavez High School football player Christopher Hampton, 15, went missing Monday at Lake Show Low. The football team was finishing up camp at Lakeside Blue Ridge High School in the White Mountains.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office provided an update late Tuesday morning, releasing the names and descriptions of the student-athletes. He is 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, weighs 150 to 170 pounds, and has dark hair and brown eyes. The last time he was seen was in gym clothes and sneakers. The department asks anyone who sees him around Show Low Lake to call the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office at 928-524-4050.
A Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office dive team arrived on Show Low at 10:45 a.m. to assist in the search for the missing boy.
“All three Navajo County Search and Rescue groups – Navajo County Search and Rescue, White Mountain Sheriff, and Hashknife – are now active. Arizona DPS Air Rescue is also on the scene,” the statement said. .
On Tuesday morning, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said it received the first 9-1-1 call regarding the missing 15-year-old around 8 p.m. Monday.
“Officers from the Show Low Police Department, agents from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Department, and Timber Mesa Fire Department personnel immediately responded to the search for the missing boy,” the release said. “Searches were conducted by boat, land and air throughout the area. The boy has not been found at this time. Please stay clear of the area while the search continues.”
Cesar Chavez Athletic Director Lenny Dorfler responded to an email from the Republic of Arizona, telling him to contact a spokesperson for the Phoenix Union High School District.
Cesar Chavez has been conducting a team-building summer camp at Blue Ridge this week, and at the end of camp, the entire team headed to the lake to further strengthen the team.
PXU spokesperson Richard Franco issued the following statement:
“On Monday, July 17, the Cesar Chavez football team, who were participating in athletic camp at Lakeside Blue Ridge High School, moved to the lake after camp. We called the police immediately.” We were contacted and sent a diving team, air support and boats to investigate a possible tragedy on the lake.
“At this time, our student-athlete is still missing. Phoenix Union High School District and César Chavez High School staff continue to work fully with local authorities and first responders to continue the search.”
“The Phoenix Union will provide emotional support to students, staff and families associated with the Cesar Chavez football team and the wider Chavez community.
“Our hearts are with the family as we continue our search. We wish the student a safe return and are grateful for the tremendous support they have received during this difficult time.”
Several high school football programs in the Valley come to Camp at Blue Ridge to strengthen for the season and avoid the extreme heat ahead of the start of official Arizona Inter-High Association practices. Show Low is Lakeside’s next town.
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