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Jul 19, 2023 | 7:21pm
A 15-year-old high school football player drowned while visiting a lake in Arizona with his team on Monday, officials said.
Christopher Hampton’s body was recovered from Lake Show Low at 2:00 pm Tuesday, nearly 18 hours after he disappeared under the surface of the reservoir. According to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.
The boy was on a lake in the White Mountains area about 290 miles east of his home in Phoenix.
He was enjoying the lake with his teammates and staff at César Chavez High School after a day of practice at an athletic camp held at a nearby high school.
Hampton went “missing” just before 8 p.m., said Phoenix Union High School District spokesman Richard Franco. told the Arizona family.
Many agencies responded to the scene, sending diving teams, air support, and boats to search the Hamptons.
The sheriff’s office said officers searched all night “by boat, by road and by air” until they were found on Tuesday afternoon.
Hampton coaches described the teenager as a positive person and a dedicated player.
“This is my man Chris. He never missed a practice and always had a smile on his face.” William Chipley wrote on Twitter.
“Chris used football to find his way of life and loved football.It is kids like Chris who gave me the ‘why’ to coach football. Chris will live forever in our hearts. ”
The Phoenix Union High School District said it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation into Hampton’s death.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends who are grieving this loss. This tragedy affects every community we serve,” the school district said in a statement.
“PXU continues to provide emotional support to affected students, staff and families. Christopher was a friend, an athlete and a kind young man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Hampton is the second death in the Cesar Chavez High School community in two months.
Cheerleader Desiree Rivas, 17, was shot dead after returning from a graduation party in May.
Her killer is still on the run, and the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect.
