ARIZONA NEWS

Bodies of Arizona couple found day after vehicle got stuck in floodwaters

Mar 23, 2023, 9:45 AM | Updated: Mar 24, 2023, 8:09 am

(Facebook Photos/Gila County Sheriff's Office)...

(Facebook Photos/Gila County Sheriff's Office)

(Facebook Photos/Gila County Sheriff's Office)

PHOENIX – An Arizona couple was found dead a day after their vehicle got stuck in floodwaters near Payson, authorities said Thursday.

Gila County authorities identified the couple as 85-year-old Phon Sutton and 72-year-old Dara Sutton, both from Payson.

A 911 caller reported the vehicle in Tonto Creek at the Bear Flat Crossing, about 18 miles east of Payson, around 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, GCSO said. The vehicle was about 100 yards downstream from the creek crossing.

The multi-agency search effort was hampered by dangerous weather conditions and flooding.

The Hell’s Gate Fire Department, Tonto Rim Search and Rescue, Payson Police Department and Arizona Department of Public Safety were involved in the search.

Flooding caused by rainfall and snowmelt created issues across northern Arizona on Wednesday.

Several low-lying communities in Yavapai County were told to evacuate because of the hazardous conditions.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo)...

KTAR.com

Police in Mesa investigating 4 shootings that killed 3 men, injured 1 woman

Police in Mesa are investigating the deaths of three men and one injured woman discovered Friday night involved in four separate shootings.

17 hours ago

Kari Lake, Arizona Republican candidate for governor, speaks to supporters at the Republican watch ...

KTAR.com

Judge denies Maricopa County’s request for sanctions against Kari Lake

A judge on Friday ruled not to award sanctions sought by attorneys for Maricopa County against Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake.

17 hours ago

(Photo by Alexandra Aley/Cronkite News)...

KTAR.com

Gas prices increase throughout Arizona at start of holiday weekend

Just in time for the long holiday weekend, gas prices in Arizona have increased after dropping for a few days

17 hours ago

(Pexels Photo)...

Associated Press

Maricopa County report lists 4 heat-related deaths so far this year

Maricopa County officials say there have already been four heat-related deaths in 2023.

17 hours ago

More homes are being planned for the Asante master-planned community in the far West Valley. (Mark ...

Angela Gonzales/Phoenix Business Journal

Homebuilders set to construct 2,700 homes in West Valley community

Three national homebuilders are working their way through planning and zoning to add 2,700 more homes in Surprise.

17 hours ago

Longtime Phoenix, Arizona, concert promotor Danny Zelisko lost a close friend remembers Tina Turner...

Kevin Stone

Valley concert promotor Danny Zelisko remembers Tina Turner: ‘She just became a friend’

While the world lost another hero when Tina Turner died this week, longtime Valley concert promotor Danny Zelisko lost a close friend.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Here are the biggest tips to keep your AC bill low this summer

PHOENIX — In Arizona during the summer, having a working air conditioning unit is not just a pleasure, but a necessity. No one wants to walk from their sweltering car just to continue to be hot in their home. As the triple digits hit around the Valley and are here to stay, your AC bill […]

...

Desert Institute for Spine Care

Spinal fusion surgery has come a long way, despite misconceptions

As Dr. Justin Field of the Desert Institute for Spine Care explained, “we've come a long way over the last couple of decades.”

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

Bodies of Arizona couple found day after vehicle got stuck in floodwaters