The third child was listed in a dangerous condition at the end

LOWER Eagle Creek, Greenlee County — A tragic incident occurred Friday night when two children lost their lives, and another was reported in critical condition after a UTV crash. The vehicle was found completely submerged in Eagle Creek.

This area, located west of Morenci, is popular for outdoor activities. The children, aged between 4 and 12, were taken to a Tucson hospital following the incident, complicated by bad weather. They were visiting from Deming, New Mexico, and had been enjoying outdoor recreation over the Easter weekend.

Emergency services were alerted around 5:21 PM regarding a rollover crash involving a UTV. Sheriff Eric Ellison noted that when responders arrived, they discovered the UTV submerged and two deceased individuals inside. A severely injured woman had already been taken from the scene. Arizona Department of Public Safety rangers were deployed from a helicopter to assist in recovering the victims.

Other agencies, including Greenlee County Search and Rescue, Morenci Swift Water Rescue, and Greenlee County EMS, also participated in the recovery efforts.

The family was camping with others for Easter when they decided to ride in the creek after lunch. The children were passengers in a Polaris razor driven by their father. The area featured numerous water crossings; one side was about 2.5 to 3 feet deep while the other dropped off to 8 feet. As the UTV navigated, it rolled and fell into the deep area, trapping the three children beneath the water.

According to local tourism information, Eagle Creek is one of Arizona’s largest streams, celebrated for its natural beauty, historical remnants, and less crowded campsites. Those visiting can find unique rock formations and hot springs, as well as a variety of ruins and wildlife.

The location where the incident occurred was challenging to access for the sheriff’s office vehicles. Local residents stepped in, offering their off-road UTVs to assist. A small group of volunteers provided support during this critical time.

During the recovery process, Sheriff Ellison encountered a UTV carrying one of the victims on the way to meet EMS. The girl was taken to Tucson Hospital, but updates on her condition were scarce—she was last noted as in critical condition.

Upon reaching the scene, Ellison saw a Polaris razor mostly submerged, with just one tire above water. CPR was being administered to the second victim, but it was soon confirmed that she had died. Ellison, along with rescue team members, then entered the water to retrieve the third child.

“We managed to get our third child out,” Ellison stated.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with Sheriff Ellison expressing gratitude for the efforts of all involved—though it wasn’t until after midnight that the scene was cleared.