SEDONA, AZ - (March 16, 2010) -
On
March 12, 2010, at approximately 6:45 P.M., Yavapai County Sheriff’s
Office Communications dispatchers received a report from one of four
Phoenix residents who had been rafting the Verde River. The group of 4
was floating from Camp Verde to the Sheep Bridge in Bloody Basin. The
caller advised that one of the members became separated when he went
over the Verde Falls in his inflatable raft. This rafter had not been
seen or heard from since 4:00 p.m. The remaining group searched the
area and eventually called YCSO to request help.
The
area in which the rafter was last seen is a remote part of the Verde
River canyon which is inaccessible from the nearest forest road.
Although he possessed a cell phone, coverage was very poor. This area is
currently closed to access due to eagle nesting and breeding.
Due
to the unknown condition of the missing rafter and the nature of the
terrain, the YCSO Forest Patrol deputy summoned the assistance of the
Arizona Department of Public Safety, Ranger Helicopter, based in
Phoenix. The Ranger crew was asked to conduct aerial search operations
in an effort to locate the missing rafter and assess his condition.
At
approximately 9:30 p.m., the missing rafter was located by the Ranger
crew on the same side of the river as the 3 remaining rafters and
approximately 300 yards south of their current location. The remaining
members of the group were directed to their friend’s location on foot,
and able to return him to their campsite and a warm fire.
The
missing rafter, identified as Nicholas Stellar, 22, of Phoenix, was in
good condition, although chilled from the night air having been immersed
in the river. He was wearing a life jacket. Stellar did not have the
means to build a warming fire. Fortunately, he did not require medical
attention because EMS personnel would have been delayed as the Ranger
helicopter was unable to land in the area due to darkness and terrain
concerns.
The
YCSO Forest Patrol Deputy noted the Verde River, per U.S Geological
Survey, was currently flowing 5 times its normal maximum flow rate.
Rescue personnel ask that those accessing river areas use added caution
when in and around these now swollen waterways. The missing rafter was
on his first river trip, and experience level varied among the other
three members of the group. The group remained in the area and waited
till daylight to continue.
