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74-Year-Old Found Dead Six Miles Downstream After Car Is Swept Away in Arizona Flash Flood

04:19 AM, 11/22/2025
74-Year-Old Found Dead Six Miles Downstream After Car Is Swept Away in Arizona Flash Flood

Authorities in Yavapai County recovered 74-year-old David Otero’s body on Nov. 20, about six miles downstream from where his car was swept into Big Bug Creek two days earlier. Deputies and volunteer search-and-rescue teams worked across difficult terrain after witnesses reported a sedan being carried away near East Fremont Drive and Thunderbird Trail. A neighbor who attempted a rescue was pulled from the water by a first responder, and another man was saved by a deputy. Officials reiterated warnings not to enter floodwaters during severe weather.

Yavapai County authorities recovered the body of 74-year-old David Otero on Nov. 20, roughly six miles downstream from where his car was swept into Big Bug Creek two days earlier.

According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on the afternoon of Nov. 18 after residents near the East Fremont Drive and Thunderbird Trail crossing reported a small sedan being carried away in rapidly moving floodwaters. Deputies found the vehicle being swept downstream with two adult men on or near the trunk.

As the car began to roll, a deputy pulled one man to safety. Neighbor Edward Sapien — who later told a local station he heard cries for help, called 911 and jumped in to try to assist — was also rescued by a first responder. The driver, identified as David Otero, was last seen as the vehicle entered the creek and was later reported missing.

"Despite nearly two days of continuous searching across challenging terrain, SAR teams maintained their efforts with professionalism and unwavering commitment," the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said, offering condolences to Otero’s family and thanking volunteer and partner agencies for their help.

Search-and-rescue volunteers and partner agencies, including Central Arizona Fire and Medical, Mayer Fire and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, combed difficult terrain before locating Otero’s body along Big Bug Creek near its confluence with the Agua Fria River on Nov. 20.

A relative who identified herself as Otero’s niece, Dilaila Apodaca, praised Sapien’s actions, calling his attempt to save her uncle "the biggest thing in the whole wide world" and describing him as a hero. Authorities reminded residents that severe thunderstorm and flash flood watches had been in effect and urged people not to drive or walk into floodwaters.

Floodwaters can move much faster and carry far more force than they appear; officials continue to warn that even a small amount of moving water can sweep vehicles off roads. The sheriff’s office said the search efforts provided closure for the family and expressed gratitude to all volunteers and agencies involved.

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