Two Missing After Flash Flood on Apache Lake

August 25, 2020

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office officials are searching for two victims, Rick Le Grand, 52, andDeanna Peterson, 41, after a boat capsized on Apache Lake Aug. 22 around9 p.m.

Apache Lake is an artificial reservoir located east of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest.

A flash flood occurred in the area of Alder Creek, which is known as “party cove.”

One boat carrying five people experienced mechanical issues and would not start, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Joaquin Enriquez. The person operating the second watercraft attempted to jump-start the boat but was not able to as the flood and debris reachedthe lake. The flash flood completely capsized one of the boats with fiveoccupants on it.

The operator and one of the passengers of the second watercraft were able to rescue three of the passengers who were ejected. Search efforts are ongoing to locate Le Grand and Peterson.

Update: Body of Missing Woman Found

The body of Deanna Peterson was recovered from Apache Lake on Tuesday, August 25. The Arizona Republic reported that the 41-year-old woman was one of two passengers that went missing last Saturday night during the flash flood that capsized their boat. Divers from the Maricopa County sheriff’s office are continuing to search for the other missing person, a 52-year-old man, Rick Le Grand.

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