ARIZONA, USA — Rescue crews have recovered two bodies believed to be an elderly couple whose abandoned vehicle was found in floodwaters near Payson Wednesday morning.
Tonto National Forest officials said the couple, later identified as 85-year-old Phon Sutton and 72-year-old Dara Sutton, left their home in Bear Flat for Payson, and when they did not return, family members contacted the Gila County Sheriff’s Office to report the couple missing.
The sheriff’s office said they received a 911 of a vehicle in Tonto Creek at the Bear Flat Crossing. Rescue crews eventually located the vehicle in the creek approximately 100 yards before the crossing.
Bear Flat is located in the Valley of Tonto Creek, 18 miles east of Payson.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for updates.
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Flooding Safety:
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has provided the following tips on what hazards to watch out for during and after a flood, including fire, electrical and chemical safety:
Generators and alternative heating devices can create fire hazards during flooding if they aren’t used correctly or maintained properly. Pools of water and appliances can become electrically charged and can cause electrical fires.
On electricity, residents in flooded areas should turn off the power to their homes if they can reach the main breaker or fuse box. All wiring in the house may be electrically charged and hazardous. Residents should have a professional technician check their home for damages before turning on the power.
Make sure potentially combustible liquids like paint thinner, lighter fluid or gasoline haven’t spilled within or near your home. Keep combustible liquids away from electrical or alternative heat sources as to not start a fire.
All smoke alarms in the home should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced yearly. Some smoke alarms are dependent on your home’s electrical service and may go out when power is turned off.
Make sure the fire hydrant near your home is cleared of debris so the fire department can assess it easily in the event of a fire.