FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — EDITOR'S NOTE: It was initially reported by authorities that four people had fallen into the lake, that number has since been corrected to three people.
Three Chandler residents are dead after a group of people fell through ice frozen over Woods Canyon Lake, according to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office said a female and two males were walking on the lake and fell through the ice on Monday. Deputies responded to the lake at 3:35 p.m.
One body was recovered Monday and two more were recovered Tuesday.
The two men have been identified as Narayana Muddana, 49, and 47-year-old Gokul Mediseti. The woman's been identified as Haritha Muddana.
The three individuals are originally from India and resided in Chandler, CCSO said.
According to the sheriff's office, the female was first pulled from the lake by deputies and fire units. First responders attempted life-saving measures but she was pronounced dead.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office Dive Units, using cold water gear, assisted in recovering the two other bodies.
12News spoke with the neighbor of the Muddana's who said they were husband and wife. They have two young daughters ages 11 and seven, who watched their parents fall into the icy cold water.
“It’s really unfortunate,” said Kishore Pittala. Both daughters are now staying with him and his family. Pittala told 12News he picked both of them up Monday night at a hotel in Payson. “They were in shock," Pittala said. "I could clearly see that in their faces, they were in shock.”
Woods Canyon Lake, one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, is located about 120 miles from the Valley.
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