One Person Is Dead After A Drowning On The Verde River Saturday

A woman in her 40s drowned Saturday after floating down a fast-rushing Verde River. Clarkdale Police say they were dispatched to the river between Tapco and Tuzigoot parks. The woman and three others were floating down the river, when they became separated. A short time later the victim’s paddle board was discovered lodged against a tree in high water. The victim was connected to the board when it became submerged under water. She was taken from the water by a member of the group and CPR was immediately performed. Medical personnel arrived and she was transported to Verde Valley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. She was wearing a floating device at the time of the accident. Authorities are strongly discouraging floating down the river during high and swift water.