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)

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.

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