Phoenix teen found dead in Show Low Lake after 18-hour search

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — A Phoenix teenager who went missing Monday night in Show Low Lake has been found dead, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed early Tuesday afternoon. For 18 hours, crews from multiple agencies had been searching for 15-year-old Christopher Hampton, a student at Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen Village.

Around 8 p.m., the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a teen who had gone missing in the lake. Sheriff’s deputies, Show Low police officers, and Timber Mesa Fire Department crews responded and immediately began searching for Hampton. Searches were conducted by boat, ground and air Monday night, but there was no sign of him. Shortly before 11 a.m. Tuesday, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team arrived at the lake to assist in the search. The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office says all three county search and rescue groups, along with the White Mountain Sheriff’s Posse, were activated as well.

In a social media post updated just after 2 p.m., the sheriff’s office reported that Hampton had been found dead in the lake by rescue personnel. “Sheriff Clouse and the entire Navajo County Sheriff’s Office send our deepest condolence to the family of Christopher,” NCSO said in the social media update.

According to the Phoenix Union High School District, he was on a training trip for a football camp at Blue Ridge High School in Lakeside. The Cesar Chavez High football team arrived in Show Low on Monday and went to the lake with school staff following training. The district says he was with coaches at the time he went missing.

The school district issued the following statement late Tuesday afternoon:

This afternoon, we learned the unfortunate news that Cesar Chavez High School student Christopher Hampton lost his life while at Show Low Lake. We wish to express our sympathy to his family and friends that are grieving this loss. This tragedy impacts all communities that we serve.
PXU continues to offer emotional support for students, staff, and families impacted. Christopher was a friend, athlete, and kind young man that will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.
District and campus staff continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
We want to thank the Laveen and Phoenix Union communities for their extensive support during this difficult time. We also thank the Show Low Police Department, Navajo County Sheriff's Office, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Dive Team, the Blue Ridge community, the Phoenix Police Department, and all the first responders for their support.
Our deepest sympathies are with Christopher’s family and friends.
Phoenix Union High School District

Search groups from multiple agencies have been looking for a missing Phoenix teen since Monday... — Search groups from multiple agencies have been looking for a missing Phoenix teen since Monday night.(Arizona's Family)

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