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Phoenix high school student-athlete found dead in Show Low Lake

By Brent Corrado and Kenneth Wong
Updated  July 18, 2023 4:29pm MST
Missing Persons
FOX 10 Phoenix

SHOW LOW, Ariz. - Officials with the Navajo County Sheriff's Office say a 15-year-old boy who went missing while swimming in Show Low Lake has been found dead.

Officials have identified the swimmer as Christopher Hampton from the Phoenix area. Officials with NCSO said deputies responded to the lake at around 8 p.m. on July 17 to search for the missing boy.

"Searches were conducted throughout the area by boat, ground, and air," the sheriff's office said, in an earlier statement.

Phoenix teen dead after swimming in Show Low

Statement from Richard Franco of Phoenix Union High School District on Hampton's passing:

"This afternoon, we learned the unfortunate news that Cesar Chavez High School student Christopher Hampton lost his life while at Show Low Lake. We wish to express our sympathy to his family and friends that are grieving this loss. This tragedy impacts all communities that we serve.

PXU continues to offer emotional support for students, staff, and families impacted. Christopher was a friend, athlete, and kind young man that will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

District and campus staff continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.

We want to thank the Laveen and Phoenix Union communities for their extensive support during this difficult time. We also thank the Show Low Police Department, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, the Blue Ridge community, the Phoenix Police Department, and all the first responders for their support.

Our deepest sympathies are with Christopher’s family and friends."

Earlier statement from Richard Franco of Phoenix Union High School District:

"While attending an athletic camp at Lakeside-Blue Ridge High School on Monday, July 17, the Cesar Chavez Football team traveled to a lake after the camp ended. During their time at the lake, a student-athlete went missing. Police were immediately contacted, who deployed a dive team, air support, and boats to investigate a potential tragedy at the lake.

At this time, our student-athlete is still missing. The Phoenix Union High School District and Cesar Chavez High School staff continue to fully cooperate with local authorities and first responders as they continue the search.

Phoenix Union will provide emotional support for the students, staff, and families connected to the Cesar Chavez Football team and the broader Chavez community.

Our hearts are with the family as we continue to search. We hope for our student's safe return and appreciate the outpouring of support during this difficult time."

Christopher Hampton missing swimmer show low lake

Authorities say Christopher Hampton, a 15-year-old Phoenix student, went missing on the night of July 17 while swimming in Show Low Lake. (Navajo County Sheriffs Office)

Map of Show Low Lake: