Local authorities remain hopeful during their ongoing search for an Arizona man. He was in a Jeep Wrangler when it was swept away by the Agua Fria River. But four other people were successfully rescued. 

Arizona man missing as river overtakes Jeep Wrangler 

Police officers and other emergency search and rescue crews are still looking for a missing man. The Arizona Sheriff’s Department helicopter crew continues to make passes in hopes of finding the driver, Chris Couch. 

He drove his Jeep Wrangler into the Agua Fria River on Sunday. However, rainfall filled the typically dry area with fast-moving flood waters. The Wrangler was swept away and mostly submerged under water. 

A helicopter crew spotted his passenger on the roof of the SUV. She was safely rescued, but Couch was missing. According to Fox 10 Phoenix, the rapid waters, remote location, and muddy terrain severely challenge search efforts. 

Ground crews have also been searching along the river in segments. Police officers warn drivers about driving in the area during periods of heavy rain. 

The desert doesn’t soak up water very fast. Roads are obliterated by mud and ruts, and vehicles can get stuck, if not carried away. An average Jeep Wrangler can ford up to 30 inches of water and slow speeds of five mph. 

That’s depending on your make, model, and mods. Other cars can be carried away in as little as six inches of water. Standard SUVs struggle in 12 inches, and larger trucks and SUVs can be swept away by 18 inches of water. 

If you don’t know how deep the water is, don’t risk your safety. Turn around, don’t drown.