A 15-year-old high school football player from Cesar Chavez High School in Phoenix, Christopher Hampton, drowned on Monday, July 17, during a visit to Show Low Lake in Arizona.

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office spearheaded the search and recovery operation, which culminated in locating Hampton’s body on Tuesday afternoon. The incident happened during an excursion with Hampton’s football team and staff, following a day of practice at an athletic camp in the nearby White Mountains area.

Richard Franco, the Phoenix Union High School District spokesperson, relayed that Hampton was last seen near the lake shortly before 8 pm on Monday. This prompted a swift response from multiple agencies, who contributed resources including a dive team, boats, and air support to aid in the search operation. 

Despite the harrowing circumstances, the search for Hampton carried on unabated throughout the night. The operation comprised both on-foot searches and patrol boats, as well as air surveillance until Hampton’s body was finally discovered the next afternoon.

William Chipley, the coach of the football team, took to social media to express his sorrow over the loss of Hampton, emphasizing the teenager’s unwavering dedication and uplifting attitude.

The Phoenix Union High School District is actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the incident. The District has also conveyed its condolences to Hampton’s family and friends in this time of sorrow. The unfortunate incident marks the second tragedy to strike Cesar Chavez High School recently, following the shooting of a 17-year-old cheerleader, Desiree Rivas, in May.