The family of the high school student who drowned in Show Low Lake this summer is suing the Phoenix Union High School District.
Christopher Hampton’s family wants $50 million to settle the case.
Hampton was a 15-year-old Cesar Chavez High School football player. He went on a team camping trip in July, and his body was later found by a Maricopa County dive team.
The attorney representing Hampton’s family, Benjamin Taylor said the coaches took students to swim at the lake, despite signs posted prohibiting it — and Hampton couldn’t swim.
“One of the most egregious things about it is that the coaches and team got back on the bus and left Christopher to drown at the lake," Taylor said. "So the coaches didn’t even know he was missing.”
Taylor said Hampton wasn’t reported missing until hours later and a fellow student ended up calling Hampton’s parents to tell them about it.
Coaches and other staff members were placed on leave after the incident. The district has yet to formally respond to the lawsuit.
In an email to KJZZ, Phoenix Union's director of marketing & communications, Richard Franco said: "The Phoenix Union High School District does not comment on litigation or possible litigation matters. There are no new updates on this investigation. We continue to honor the memory of Chris, and keep the Hampton Family in our thoughts."
