Three People Plunge Through Ice at Arizona Lake

Three individuals fell through the ice into the water at Woods Canyon Lake on Sunday, prompting an urgent response from firefighters.

The Forest Lakes Fire District reported that while two of the individuals managed to escape the icy waters, a 26-year-old man from Phoenix remained missing. Efforts to locate him included aerial searches via helicopter.

As darkness fell, a dive team also conducted searches but was unable to find the man. Consequently, the search was suspended for the night.

On Monday morning, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the man’s body was eventually recovered. The medical examiner will assist in identifying the deceased.

Woods Canyon Lake is situated east of Payson and north of Arizona State Route 260, a popular area for outdoor activities during the winter months.