PHOENIX — A tragic accident claimed the life of a 26-year-old Phoenix man who fell through the ice at Woods Canyon Lake in northern Arizona over the weekend, authorities said.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon when three people fell through the ice at the popular recreation spot, located about 35 miles east of Payson. While two individuals managed to escape the freezing water safely, the third did not resurface.
A multi-agency search began around 5 p.m. but was halted two hours later due to darkness, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The search resumed Monday morning, and the Gila County Sheriff’s Office dive team located the victim’s body at approximately 10:15 a.m.
Collaborative Rescue Effort
Multiple agencies, including the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Forest Lakes Fire Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and United States Forest Service, worked together in the search and recovery operation.
About Woods Canyon Lake
Woods Canyon Lake is part of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, known for its picturesque scenery and outdoor activities. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of frozen lakes, especially during winter months.