SHOW LOW, Ariz. — Newly released video shines a light on what Cesar Chavez High School football coaches knew the night a student drowned in Show Low Lake last summer.
Christopher Hampton, 15, was first reported missing while attending a football camp. He was later found dead in the lake.
12News obtained body-worn camera video from the Navajo County Sheriff's Office on July 17 and 18, 2023.
"I'm destroyed, man. I'm sorry. I've got to tell a parent that I lost their f------ kid," a Cesar Chavez High School football coach said in the video.
Multiple videos from that night show confused coaches with little information about how Hampton was left in the water.
"I'm willing to face the music man. I'm responsible. I'm the guy that's in charge," a Cesar Chavez High School football coach said. "It's a freak accident man. The kid gets in and goes out there and you know I just don't know how this happens."
On-camera interviews reveal the team swam in Show Low Lake for about 30 minutes.
Several coaches were at the lake, while others went to Walmart to buy ice cream for the boys.
None of the coaches could say they saw Hampton in the water, but reports from students claimed the teen swam to a buoy about 20 yards from shore.
They ate their ice cream, boarded the buses and headed back to camp.
It wasn't until before bed, students alerted coaches Hampton was missing that the adults took a head count.
"The last place we were told that he was seen was clinging to that buoy," a Navajo County Sheriff's Deputy said in the video.
No one admitted to seeing Hampton drown in the videos.
"Never saw any distress signals or heard anything. I mean, you know, 40 high school kids jumping around. I don't know," a Cesar Chavez High School football coach said in the video.
The video also revealed Hampton's mother, Tonisha Johnson, rushed to Show Low Lake after her son's teammate told her what happened.
She told investigators several times throughout the videos her son did not know how to swim.
"Chris does not know how to swim," Johnson said in the video.
Something a coach admitted to knowing before the trip.
"His mom let us know he can't swim," a Cesar Chavez High School football coach said in the video.
Hampton was found dead in the lake the next day.
"He's in there between that buoy and that dock. He's down there," a Cesar Chavez High School football coach said in the video.
Hampton's death was ruled an accidental drowning and no charges were filed.
The family is suing Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) among others.
"Christopher Hampton should be alive today if it wasn't for those coaches," Benjamin Taylor said.
Taylor, the attorney representing Hampton's family, accuses the Cesar Chavez High School football coaches of negligence for taking students to the lake and leaving Hampton behind.
"The lake says no swimming. They disregarded the warning from the Blue Ridge athletic director, they disregarded the warning from the lake itself and they still took their players swimming," Taylor said.
PXU previously confirmed the varsity head football coach and athletic director resigned after the drowning. The school hired former Central High School head coach Chandler Hovik as their new head coach in December.
"They trust us with their kids," a Cesar Chavez High School football coach said.
12News reached out to PXU for comment about the video but did not immediately get a response.
In a previous statement, a district spokesperson told 12News they do not comment on pending litigation.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.