Camp Verde Fire personnel reported that a 30-year-old female, identified as Stephanie Steel, had been pronounced dead. A 36-year-old male, identified as William Jordon, was being treated by paramedics. William indicated to the deputies that Stephanie was his wife and driver of the vehicle. However, Stephanie was a single mother of 4 young children ages 13, 10, 8, and 6. She and Jordon were not married, according to her family members. They reside in Phoenix.
Deputies spoke with William briefly as he was being prepared for flight to John C. Lincoln hospital in Phoenix. William stated that he and Stephanie had driven from Phoenix intending on camping at the Verde hot springs near the Child’s campground. William further explained that when road conditions became difficult, Stephanie was unable to prevent their vehicle from going over the side and crashing. He admitted neither one of them were wearing seatbelts.
Deputies found open beer cans in and around the vehicle at the crash site.
The investigation remains ongoing regarding verification as to the driver of the vehicle at the time of this collision and specific causal factors. Cause of death is pending Medical Examiner findings.