Emergency responders in Tucson are conducting an intensive search for a man who was swept into the Santa Cruz River on Friday afternoon. The Tucson Fire Department and Pima County Sheriff's Department are coordinating efforts, with deputies now specifically asking for the public's help to locate a missing vulnerable adult, 29-year-old Ernesto Ojeda, who may be linked to the river incident.
The Santa Cruz River, which runs through Tucson and parts of southern Arizona, is often a dry riverbed for most of the year but can become a dangerous torrent during monsoon storms and flash floods. Friday's incident occurred after heavy rainfall upstream, causing a sudden rise in water levels. Witnesses reported seeing a man struggling in the fast-moving current before he disappeared from sight. Fire department swift-water rescue teams were immediately dispatched, but their initial search has not yet located the individual.
As the search expanded, the Pima County Sheriff's Department issued a separate alert for Ernesto Ojeda, describing him as a vulnerable adult. Ojeda was last seen near the intersection of Palo Verde Road and Bantam Road at around 10 a.m. Friday, hours before the river incident. Authorities believe there is a possibility that the man in the river is Ojeda, though they have not confirmed a connection. Deputies are treating the case with urgency, emphasizing that vulnerable adults may lack the ability to protect themselves or understand the dangers of floodwaters.
Vulnerable adult is a legal term in Arizona referring to individuals who are 18 or older and who are unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental impairments. The sheriff's office has not disclosed specific details about Ojeda's condition, but they have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.
Rescue operations have involved multiple agencies, including the Tucson Fire Department's technical rescue team, the sheriff's search and rescue unit, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Helicopters equipped with infrared cameras have been scanning the river corridor from above, while ground crews on foot and in vehicles patrol the banks. K9 units have also been deployed to track any scent trails leading away from the river. The search area covers several miles downstream from the point where the man was last seen, taking into account the river's bends and debris jams that could trap a person.
The Santa Cruz River has a history of deadly flash floods. In 2020, two people died in separate incidents when they were caught in sudden floodwaters. The river, which originates in the San Rafael Valley near the Arizona-Mexico border, flows north through Tucson before turning west. Despite frequent dry spells, monsoon season from June to September can bring intense, localized rainstorms that cause the river to rise rapidly with little warning. Officials have repeatedly warned residents to stay out of washes and riverbeds during and after storms.
Friday's incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by southern Arizona's arid landscape. Even a shallow-looking stream can become a deadly current within minutes. Fire department officials have said that swift-water rescues are among the most dangerous operations for first responders because of the unpredictability of moving water. They train year-round for such scenarios, but successful rescues often depend on quick action from bystanders and clear communication with dispatchers.
The search for both the man in the river and for Ernesto Ojeda remains active as of Saturday morning. The sheriff's department has set up a command post near the last known locations, and they are asking anyone who may have seen Ojeda or who witnessed the river incident to come forward. Tips can be reported to the sheriff's office non-emergency line or through 911 if there is an immediate sighting.
Community members in the Palo Verde and Bantam area have expressed concern and are sharing information on social media to help locate Ojeda. Neighborhood watch groups have been asked to be on the lookout for any signs of the missing man. Meanwhile, fire department crews will continue to monitor the river for any signs of the man who was swept away, though the window for a safe rescue narrows with each passing hour.
Authorities have not released any further details about the man in the river, including his age or any identifying information. They have not yet confirmed that the river victim and Ojeda are the same person, but the overlap in timing and location has made the search a top priority. The sheriff's office has also not ruled out the possibility that the river incident may have been a separate event, but they are treating it as a potential connection until more evidence is gathered.
As the search continues, officials are reminding the public to avoid all flowing water in the region. Even small tributaries can become dangerous after rain. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for parts of Pima County through the weekend, which could further complicate rescue efforts. Crews are taking necessary safety precautions while conducting searches in areas that may be at risk of additional flooding.
The family of Ernesto Ojeda has been notified and is cooperating with authorities. They have released a statement asking for privacy but expressing gratitude for the community's support. No further updates are expected until later today when search teams assess the conditions and plan the next phase of the operation.
Anyone with information about Ernesto Ojeda's whereabouts or the incident on the Santa Cruz River is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department at 520-724-6000 or call 911 for immediate sightings.
Source: Yahoo News News