Rescue personnel have found the dead body of a 15-year-old high school football player named Christopher Hampton who was earlier reported to be missing, find out the cause of death, police reports, and more below
According to reports, Christopher was a Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen Village, Arizona.
Christopher Hampton Cesar Chavez High School football player cause of death, obituary, age, family, stats
Such a tragedy in the Arizona high school football community today. Christopher Hampton, 15 who was attending football camp near Show Low, AZ was found deceased at nearby Show Low Lake. Please say a prayer for Christopher and his family. 🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/xdqfFvCsKM
— AWOL Athletics (@awolathleticorg) July 19, 2023
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. Today, I come to you with a heavy heart to share the story of a young soul who left us too soon but left a lasting impact on those around him. Christopher Hampton, a vibrant and talented young athlete from the Cesar Chavez… pic.twitter.com/znMry5jlEH
— Adrenaline Fundraising (@AdrenalineAZ) July 20, 2023
Rescue officials found Christopher’s body on July 18, 2023 in Show Low Lake, after about 18 hours from the time of filing his missing report.
Christopher Hampton cause of death
According to reports, Christopher Hampton died of drowning at Show Low Lake during the evening of July 18, 2023. Show Low Lake is located approximately 180 miles northeast of Phoenix, between Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside. The reports stated that Christopher was on a training trip for a football camp at Lakeside-Blue Ridge High School. The training took place on July 17, 2023, following which the Cesar Chavez High football team went to Show Low Lake with the school staff.
Police release incident reports and official statements
The Navajo County Sherriff’s Office, which was in charge of investigating the whole incident released a press statement, on July 17, 2023, at about 8:00 pm. According to the statement, the sheriff’s office dispatch center initially responded to a 911 call about the missing 15-year-old male. Following the plea, Officers from the Show Low Police Department, deputies from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, along with members of the Timber Mesa Fire Department instantly responded with efforts to help find Christopher Hampton.
Navajo County Sherriff’s Office provided an update on July 18, 2023, at 10:45 am, which mentioned that the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team reached the scene to help locate Christopher. According to the Navajo County Sherriff’s Office, the search part included all the three Navajo County Search and Rescue groups. This includes the Navajo County Search and Rescue, the White Mountain Sheriff’s Posse, and the Hashknife. Along with them were Arizona DPS Air Rescue.
Upon learning about the incident, the Navajo County Sherriff’s Office also provided a description of Christopher. The description mentioned him as 5’10-6 feet tall, weighing between 150-170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The description also mentioned him as last spotted wearing gym shorts and athletic shoes. After hours of searching, the report stated that rescue officials finally found the body at around 2:00 pm.
The Navajo County Sherriff’s Office issued a an official press release on July 18, 2023 stating:
Sheriff Clouse and the entire Navajo County Sheriff’s Office send our deepest condolence to the family of Christopher.
Phoenix Union High School District speaks out
Following the tragic incident, the Phoenix Union High School District spoke out about the incident. The school stated that Christopher Hampton was with the coaches when he went missing. Richard Franco, a spokesman for the Phoenix Union High School District, issued a statement on behalf of the institution:
This afternoon, we learned the unfortunate news that Cesar Chavez High School student Christopher Hampton lost his life while at Show Low Lake.”
He further stated that the school will be providing emotional support for students, staff, and families affected. The statement read:
Christopher was a friend, athlete, and kind young man that will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. District and campus staff continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.”