One teen dead after vehicle submerges in canal

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) said a 15-year-old boy is dead after a vehicle submerged in the Gila Gravity Canal.

YCSO said they received the report on Sunday evening of the vehicle submerged in the canal with one person trapped inside.

It happened by Avenue 9 and 1/4 E and Gila Gravity Canal Road.

According to YCSO, a 1998 Dodge Dakota was driving westbound on the Gila Gravity Canal Road when it failed to make a turn.

The vehicle then drove off the south side of the road and rolled over into the canal, said YCSO.

YCSO said the driver, a 17-year-old boy, was able to exit the vehicle and was not injured.

However, the 15-year-old passenger of the vehicle was not able to exit the vehicle and the YCSO Dive Team was able to recover them.

YCSO said the 15-year-old passenger died at the scene.

Deputies have not shared if the two teens were related.

They say other people were there when it happened.

“Unfortunately, the passenger was not able to exit the vehicle and was recovered by the Yuma County Sherrif’s Office Dive Team. We did have witnesses on the scene," said Tania Pavlak, YCSO Public Affairs Specialist.

Deputies were not able to share if the truck was fully submerged.

“It all depends on the level of water, on how the vehicle is placed so its different factors," explained Pavlak.

YCSO said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

This case is still under investigation.

If you or anyone else have information on this case, contact YCSO at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.