In light of a recent tubing death over Memorial Day weekend, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people to be cautious on the Salt River.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, 54-year-old Stephan Sweet was tubing last Saturday when witnesses say he fell off his tube and became unconscious under water. Both people in the area and medics tried to revive him before he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
MCSO spokesperson David Moyer said it’s a stark reminder for others.
“At times you could be floating along very slow and then all of a sudden the rapids will kick in," Moyer said. "So you need to make sure that you’re aware of your surroundings at all times.”
Moyer said people are encouraged to wear flotation devices and avoid drinking alcohol while floating the river.
“We have a lot of drinking that goes on on the river and impairment does play a major factor in some of the incidents that occur," Moyer said.
He added there is no reason to suspect that alcohol played a role in the death last weekend, but the investigation is ongoing.
