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MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Authorities have identified a man who drowned at the Salt River on the Fourth of July.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says 43-year-old Nicasio Lopez was at the Salt River with his family. According to a revised statement issued by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Wednesday afternoon, Lopez reportedly waded into the river to remove a piece of trash floating, when the current forced him into into increased water depth.
Lopez, according to the revised statement, would visit the Salt River several times a year, and for 17 years, he would pick up trash that was left in the area by tubers. According to family members, Lopez was in good health, but did not know how to swim.
MCSO officials said, in the revised statement Wednesday afternoon, that initial reports of the man making a jump from a 20 to 30-foot rock area are incorrect.
The investigation is ongoing, but MCSO officials say the incident appears to be an accidental drowning, without foul play. In addition, alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the incident.