WOODS CANYON LAKE, AZ – A 26-year-old Phoenix man tragically drowned Sunday after falling through ice at Woods Canyon Lake, a popular destination in Arizona’s high country. The incident, described by authorities as a freak accident, occurred during a weekend visit with friends.
According to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the group was enjoying the serene, winter landscape when the man ventured onto what appeared to be solid ice. Unfortunately, the ice gave way beneath him, and he plunged into the frigid waters below. Despite immediate efforts by his friends to rescue him, he did not resurface.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday. Search and rescue teams, including divers, were dispatched to the scene. However, as daylight faded, the search was temporarily suspended, leaving the team with no choice but to resume efforts the following morning.
The search continued on Monday, with divers eventually locating the man’s body and bringing it to the surface. This tragic event has prompted the sheriff’s office to issue a stern warning to those visiting the area: avoid walking on ice, especially on unfamiliar lakes or bodies of water.
“We urge the public to exercise extreme caution,” a sheriff’s office representative stated. “Hypothermia can set in quickly once submerged in those icy waters, making survival incredibly difficult.”
The identity of the victim has not been made public, pending notification of family members. Friends and family of the deceased, who spoke privately, echoed the warning issued by authorities, emphasizing the unpredictability of ice conditions.
Local officials have reiterated the importance of safety in the wilderness, particularly during the winter months when conditions can change rapidly. They remind visitors that even seemingly sturdy ice can be deceptive and dangerous.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential hazards that accompany winter recreation and has left a community mourning the loss of a young life.