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

Balin Overstolz McNair

City of Phoenix to open its 1st Holocaust museum

The Arizona Jewish Historical Society announced the creation of a new holocaust education center to be built in Downtown Phoenix.

44 minutes ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signs a petition that would expand abortion rights in the state if on the ...

Heidi Hommel

Arizona Gov. Hobbs signs abortion rights petition, reaffirms desire for more access

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs wants to see abortion rights enshrined in the state constitution, but took a ceremonial step Tuesday in making sure the issue was on the ballot next year.

44 minutes ago

Construction of the Manzana mixed-use project in Phoenix is expected to start in early 2025....

Kevin Stone

Manzana, an eye-catching mixed-use project, coming to Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row

An eye-catching mixed-use project called Manzana is coming to the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix.

1 hour ago

A selection of Frito-Lay products. The snack food giant signed a 10-year lease on a facility in Gil...

Kevin Stone

Companies building Frito-Lay facility in Gilbert get $12M construction loan

The companies developing a shipping and distribution center for Frito-Lay in Gilbert have obtained a $12 million construction loan.

1 hour ago

Stock image of police tape and file photo of a Glendale, Arizona, police department cruiser....

KTAR.com

2 hospitalized with gunshot wounds after domestic dispute, police standoff

One victim and one suspect have been hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a domestic dispute and a police standoff in Glendale.

7 hours ago

Follow @KTAR923...

KTAR.com

Tempe Festival of the Arts returning this weekend to Mill Avenue

A decades-long tradition is returning to Tempe this weekend to bring together the community, art and food.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

(KTAR News Graphic)...

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

Follow @KTAR923...

The best ways to honor our heroes on Veterans Day and give back to the community

Veterans Day is fast approaching and there's no better way to support our veterans than to donate to the Military Assistance Mission.

...

Desert Institute for Spine Care

Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) wants to help Valley residents address back, neck issues through awake spine surgery

As the weather begins to change, those with back issues can no longer rely on the dry heat to aid their backs. That's where DISC comes in.

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