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Arizona Man Found After Dramatic Flood Rescue Attempt
21 Nov
Summary
- A 74-year-old man was found deceased after being swept away by floodwaters.
- A neighbor attempted a heroic rescue but was also caught in the water.
- Authorities urge residents to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.
Authorities have located the body of David Otero, a 74-year-old man who was swept away by significant floodwaters earlier this week in Arizona. His remains were discovered along Big Bug Creek, approximately six miles from his last known location. Otero had gone missing after driving his vehicle into rapidly moving floodwaters in the Cordes Lakes area.
During the incident, a neighbor named Edward Sapien attempted to rescue Otero after witnessing the car being carried away. Sapien's own rescue was then facilitated by a first responder. The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office extended condolences to Otero's family and expressed gratitude to the search volunteers and partner agencies involved in the recovery efforts.
This tragic event occurred while Yavapai County was under severe thunderstorm and flash flood watches due to heavy rainfall. Authorities had strongly advised residents to refrain from traveling through or driving into floodwaters, emphasizing the extreme danger posed by such conditions.
