A 15-year-old high school football player from Cesar Chavez High School in Phoenix drowned on Monday, July 17, during a visit to Show Low Lake in Arizona.
Christopher Hampton lost his life during a visit to the lake with his team.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Hampton’s body was recovered from the lake on Tuesday afternoon, nearly a day after he was reported missing. The trip to the lake was part of a recreational outing with Hampton’s football teammates and staff, following a day of training at a nearby camp in the White Mountains.
Richard Franco, representing the Phoenix Union High School District, stated that Hampton went missing just before 8 pm on Monday, prompting an immediate multi-agency search operation. This operation involved dive teams, boats, and air support, all working tirelessly to locate the missing teenager.
The search continued overnight with officers patrolling the area by boat, on foot, and from the air. Their efforts led to the recovery of Hampton’s body the following afternoon.
Head Coach William Chipley paid homage to the young athlete via a tweet, praising Hampton’s dedication and positivity. The school district, deeply saddened by the tragic event, is fully cooperating with the investigation and has extended its condolences to the bereaved family and friends.
This incident marks the second tragedy to strike the school in recent months, with cheerleader Desiree Rivas having been fatally shot in May.
