Man Found Dead at Parker Canyon Lake in Cochise County

Authorities responded to a report of a person in the water near an overturned kayak

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A man was found dead in the water at Parker Canyon Lake in Cochise County, Arizona on Thursday, March 12. The Cochise County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue responded to a report of a person in the water next to an overturned kayak near the south shore east of the dam. The individual was declared dead at the scene and taken to the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office.

Why it matters

Parker Canyon Lake is a popular recreational area in southern Arizona, and this tragic incident raises questions about water safety and the need for increased precautions around the lake.

The details

According to the report, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, Fry Fire Department paramedics, and the CCSO helicopter were all dispatched to the scene after a report of a person in the water next to an overturned kayak. Search and Rescue found the overturned kayak and the male subject facedown in the water, and he was declared dead at the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Cochise County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the report and recovered the victim.

Fry Fire Department

The local fire department that assisted in the response effort.

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What’s next

The Pima County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident at Parker Canyon Lake underscores the importance of water safety and the need for increased precautions and vigilance around recreational bodies of water, especially in remote areas.