At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, ADPS Air Rescue was requested by the Gila County Sheriffs Office to assist in a water rescue on the Gila River.
Three subjects, one male and two female, had reportedly entered the Gila River near the Coolidge Dam with the intent to float the river over the course of two days.
The subjects had prepared for the trip. However, their rafts were unable to withstand the debris that was present in the water due to the heavy monsoon rainfall and flooding conditions.
The three subjects were: Gray Richardson, 46, from Chandler, Ariz., Heidi Nebeker, 38, from Gilbert, Ariz., and Kimberly Baker, 44, from Salt Lake City, Utah.
It was reported that the group had lost two of three rafts in the rough conditions. The group had a map and, by chance, they were able to get a distress call out the night of Aug. 7 via text message to report their approximate position on the river.
That text was the last contact and it was unknown if they were injured.
AZ State Troopers launched their Ranger 52 Air Rescue helicopter out of Phoenix and initiated a low/slow search along the river near Winkleman.
The victims were located approximately 15 miles up river from this point. The Air Rescue crew was able to positively identify an “SOS” signal the group had made using tree branches and debris that washed up on shore. Air Rescue performed a confined area landing to asses the victims.
All three victims were evaluated by the State Trooper/Paramedics and found to be in no immediate distress. In addition to the SOS signal, the group had remained calm and focused, had built a shelter and had equipment for water purification.
All three victims were then shuttled to the San Carlos Dam and released to the Sheriff’s office personnel.